Bumba Mulenga | Zambia Monitor

Cameroon edge South Africa 2-1 to set up AFCON quarter-final clash with host Morocco

Bumba Mulenga — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 06:09:15 +0000

Cameroon booked a quarter-final showdown with hosts Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after claiming a hard-fought 2–1 victory over South Africa in their Round of 16 encounter.

Goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane proved enough for the Indomitable Lions, who overcame a spirited Bafana Bafana side coached by their former manager, Hugo Broos.

South Africa started brightly, but it was Cameroon who struck first in the 34th minute through a fortuitous sequence.

BBC reports that after a corner was only partially cleared, Carlos Baleba’s effort ricocheted off Nkosinathi Sibisi and then Samuel Kotto before falling kindly to Tchamadeu, who finished from close range. The goal was eventually confirmed following a lengthy VAR review for offside.

Cameroon doubled their advantage shortly after the restart despite heavy rain. Just two minutes into the second half, Kofane met a precise left-wing cross from Mahamadou Nagida, glancing a near-post header beyond goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

South Africa responded with renewed urgency, forcing Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy into two fine saves, while Kofane narrowly missed out on a second goal after latching onto a long pass from Bryan Mbeumo.

The match took on a dramatic edge late on when Evidence Makgopa pulled one back for South Africa, tapping in from close range with two minutes of regulation time remaining. However, Cameroon held their nerve in a tense finale to secure progression.

The victory sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against tournament hosts Morocco, who earlier edged Tanzania 1–0. The encounter is scheduled for Friday evening in Rabat.

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Diaz strike against Tanzania sends Morocco into AFCON 2025 quarter-finals

Bumba Mulenga — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 18:43:32 +0000

Morocco secured a place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after edging Tanzania 1–0 in a tightly contested Round of 16 encounter in Rabat on Sunday.

Brahim Diaz proved the difference with a decisive second-half goal as the Atlas Lions overcame stubborn resistance from a disciplined Tanzanian side determined to prolong their fairytale run at the tournament, according to Cafonline.

The hosts dominated possession from the outset, with Achraf Hakimi captaining Morocco for the first time at this year’s finals, but clear-cut chances were limited by Tanzania’s compact defensive shape.

Despite sustained pressure, Morocco struggled to break through a well-drilled back line in the opening half.

Morocco thought they had taken the lead in the 24th minute when Ismail Saibari tapped in from close range, only for the goal to be chalked off following a VAR review for offside, leaving the score level at the interval.

Walid Regragui’s men returned with renewed intensity after the break.

Diaz was immediately influential, while Bilal El Khannouss went close early in the second half as Morocco increased the tempo.

Tanzania nearly shocked the home crowd in the 56th minute when Feisal Toto found space in the box but fired over the bar, missing a golden opportunity against the run of play.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 63rd minute when Diaz showcased his quality, cutting inside and finishing from a tight angle to send the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex into raptures.

It was his fourth goal of the tournament, moving him clear at the top of the scorers’ chart.

Morocco continued to press for a second goal but were unable to extend their advantage. Tanzania remained competitive until the final whistle, yet the Atlas Lions held firm to seal a hard-fought victory.

The win sees Morocco advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between South Africa and Cameroon at the Stade Al Madina in Rabat.

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Venezuela names Rodriguez interim President after US capture of Maduro, as Pope calls for calm

Bumba Mulenga — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:05:01 +0000

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as Interim President, a day after the United States launched an attack on the South American nation and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

In a ruling issued by its Constitutional Chamber, the court said Rodriguez would assume the presidency to ensure administrative continuity and safeguard national security following what it described as the president’s “forced absence.”

“The office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in order to guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defence of the Nation,” the court said, announcing Rodriguez’s temporary assumption of power.

The Supreme Court added that it would deliberate further on establishing a legal framework to ensure continuity of the state, the functioning of government institutions and the protection of national sovereignty in light of the extraordinary circumstances.

Rodriguez, 56, is one of the most powerful figures within Venezuela’s socialist leadership and a close ally of Maduro.

Maduro has previously praised her loyalty and toughness, referring to her as a “tiger” for her staunch defence of his administration.

According to Gulfnews, she studied law at the Central University of Venezuela and has risen rapidly through the political ranks over the past decade.

In June 2018, Maduro appointed her Vice President, describing her at the time as “a young woman, brave, seasoned, daughter of a martyr, revolutionary, and proven in countless battles.”

She has since emerged as the country’s chief economic authority.
Reacting to the developments, US President Donald Trump said Washington had left Rodriguez in place as Maduro’s successor for now.

“She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” Trump said.

Rodriguez, however, strongly rejected the US position, accusing Washington of aggression and warning that the move was aimed at exploiting Venezuela’s resources.

“This regime change would also allow for the seizure of our energy, mineral, and natural resources,” she said.

The situation has heightened tensions in the region, as Venezuela navigates a sudden leadership transition amid international pressure and domestic uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has appealed for calm, justice and respect for human rights in Venezuela following dramatic political developments in the country.

Speaking during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday as reported by the Vatican, the Pope expressed deep concern after United States forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas on Saturday and transferred him to New York for trial.

“The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration,” Pope Leo said, urging all parties to reject violence and pursue justice and peace.

He stressed the importance of safeguarding Venezuela’s sovereignty, upholding the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution, and respecting the human and civil rights of every person.

The Pope also highlighted the need to work collectively toward a future marked by collaboration, stability and harmony, with particular concern for the poor who continue to suffer under the country’s difficult economic conditions.

Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo invited the global Church to pray for the Venezuelan people and assured them of his personal prayers.

He entrusted the nation to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, the Patroness of Venezuela, as well as St. José Gregorio Hernández and St. Carmen Rendiles.

Pope Leo XIV encouraged believers not to lose hope, calling on them to place their trust in God.

“Let us continue to have faith in the God of peace. Let us pray and stand in solidarity with the peoples who suffer because of wars,” he said.

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Finance Minister, Musokotwane, pledges sustained public engagement on 2026 budget

Bumba Mulenga — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 11:42:10 +0000

The government has pledged to maintain continuous and transparent engagement with citizens and stakeholders on the 2026 National Budget and the country’s broader economic reform agenda, beyond the forthcoming national Townhall Meeting scheduled for January 29, 2026.

Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, said public engagement would not be limited to a single event but will be sustained through regular communication in the weeks leading up to the Townhall and thereafter on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis.

In a statement issued on Sunday, he said the Ministry of Finance and National Planning will consistently share timely, accurate and accessible information on the 2026 Budget, ongoing developmental programmes, progress on economic reforms and the policy choices shaping Zambia’s economic future.

According to Musokotwane, the approach reflects government’s understanding that public trust and confidence are built through openness, consistency and clarity.

“Citizens, businesses, civil society and cooperating partners deserve to understand not only what decisions are being taken, but why they are being taken, how they connect to national objectives and what they mean in practical terms for households, communities and enterprises,” he said.

The Minister noted that the Townhall Meeting would also mark the formal launch of the revised Public Engagement and Communication Strategy for the period 2025–2030, which was intended to strengthen dialogue, transparency and accountability in public finance management and economic governance.

Musokotwane called on all government agencies and statutory bodies under the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to actively support this communication drive by clearly explaining budgeted programmes and reforms to be implemented in 2026.

He stressed that both ongoing and planned reforms must be communicated proactively and in a coordinated manner, anchored in factual information, to ensure that stakeholders and the general public fully understand Government policies and initiatives.

“Economic reform succeeds when it is understood, when it is owned and when it is seen to be fair,” the Minister said, adding that speaking with one voice across Government will strengthen confidence in public institutions and reinforce national unity.

Musokotwane said Zambia’s prospects were strongest when government and citizens worked together, united by a shared purpose and commitment to national development.

He urged all stakeholders to approach the 2026 Budget season with confidence and responsibility, noting that sustained engagement was key to ensuring that the gains of reform endure and translate into shared prosperity for current and future generations.

The government, he said, remained committed to building a prosperous, resilient and equitable Zambia through inclusive dialogue, disciplined implementation of reforms and active citizen participation.

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Anthony Joshua returns to UK after fatal Nigeria crash

Bumba Mulenga — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 11:26:32 +0000

Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has reportedly returned to the United Kingdom following a fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close associates.

The crash occurred on Monday on a major highway near Lagos when a vehicle carrying Joshua, his strength and conditioning Coach, Sina Ghami, and trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele collided with a stationary truck.

Ghami and Ayodele died as a result of the accident.

A report by Aljazeera shows that Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital, where he was treated and later discharged on Wednesday after doctors confirmed he was clinically fit to continue recuperating at home.

British media reported on Saturday that the two-time heavyweight champion had flown back to the UK ahead of the funerals of Ghami and Ayodele.

Meanwhile, Nigerian police have charged the driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, with dangerous driving causing death.

Kayode is expected to appear in court on January 20.

Joshua, the 2012 Olympic gold medallist, was in Nigeria on holiday.
He has strong family ties to the country and had travelled there following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.

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From hit songs to Brigadier-General! How ‘Kanji’ ruled the airwaves and rose to military fame

Bumba Mulenga — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 19:15:00 +0000

Before the crisp military uniform and the legal briefs at Army Headquarters, Mwizukanji Namwawa was best known to many Zambians simply as Kanji — a vibrant and trailblazing artiste whose music dominated the airwaves in the early 2000s.

At a time when the local music industry was still finding its modern identity, Kanji stood out as one of the few female performers making a strong mark.

Her hit song Mr Big Star became a household favourite, earning her recognition across the country and securing her place in Zambia’s urban music scene.

With her confident delivery and relatable themes, Kanji carved out a space for herself in an industry largely dominated by male voices.

Music insiders recall her as disciplined, focused and unapologetically ambitious — traits that would later define her career beyond the recording studio.

As Kanji, she was more than an entertainer; she became a symbol of young women pushing boundaries and redefining what was possible in creative spaces.

While fans associated her with microphones and melodies, few could have predicted that the artiste would one day trade studio sessions for military service.

Yet even during her time in music, those close to her say she displayed a strong sense of purpose and leadership, qualities that hinted at a much broader destiny.

On Friday, Namwawa’s promotion to Brigadier General in the Zambia Army by President Hakainde Hichilema reignited public interest in her remarkable journey — prompting many to reflect on her earlier life as an artiste.

Her promotion came alongside other deserving officers elevated in recognition of their dedication and exemplary service.

The advancements were marked by a colourful rank insignia pinning-on ceremony held on Friday at Army Headquarters.

For those who remember Kanji on stage and on radio playlists, her story stands as a powerful reminder that talent, discipline and reinvention can take a person from the spotlight of entertainment to the highest levels of national service.

Her transformation from chart-topping musician to senior military officer remains one of Zambia’s most compelling personal narratives — rooted in a chapter when Kanji’s voice first captured the nation’s attention.

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Zambia to host high-level security talks on Eastern DRC crisis

Bumba Mulenga — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 12:05:20 +0000

Zambia will next week host a high-level three-day meeting focused on the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), bringing together defence leaders from across the Great Lakes Region.

According to a statement issued by Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala, the meeting is being convened at the request of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), a request which Zambia has accepted.

The meeting would be held in Livingstone from Thursday, January 8, to Saturday, January 10, 2026, and is expected to attract all 12 Ministers of Defence and Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) from ICGLR member states.

Read more: Zambian Air Force, Disaster management agency launch national relief operation in Mpika district

ICGLR membership comprises Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Shalala said Zambia’s decision to host the talks reflected its long-standing commitment to regional peace and stability, anchored in President Hakainde Hichilema’s belief that insecurity in one country posed a threat to the entire region.

“Zambia is an advocate of peace, guided by President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zambia Defence Force, Mr Hakainde Hichilema’s belief that instability anywhere is instability everywhere,” Shalala said.

Defence Minister, Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma, is expected to chair the meeting.

Zambia shares an extensive border with the DRC and has consistently played a diplomatic and mediation role in regional peace efforts.

Like his predecessors, President Hichilema has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to contributing to lasting peace in the DRC, as instability in the neighbouring country continues to raise regional security concerns.

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Tianna unveils ‘Izibika’, a soulful song exploring hidden truths

Bumba Mulenga — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 12:01:23 +0000

Emerging music sensation, Tianna, has released a new single titled Izibika, a song that delves into the emotional weight of secrets and the quiet struggles many people carry in silence.

Izibika, which translates to “secrets,” tells a reflective story of vulnerability, courage and self-discovery.

Through heartfelt lyrics and a mellow yet uplifting rhythm, Tianna narrates the journey of a young woman wrestling with unspoken fears, hidden dreams and the pressure of societal expectations.

The song opens on a soft, restrained note, drawing listeners into an intimate space before gradually building into a confident and expressive chorus.

As the music grows stronger, Tianna delivers a clear message: while some secrets protect and shape us, others must be released for healing and growth to begin.

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Heavy weight boxer, Joshua’s driver charged after fatal Nigeria crash kills two team members

Bumba Mulenga — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 11:54:41 +0000

The driver of former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been charged following a fatal road traffic accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of the boxer’s team and left Joshua injured.

Police have confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was arraigned on Friday before the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State. He is facing multiple charges, including causing death by dangerous driving.

The crash occurred on Monday along the busy Lagos–Ibadan expressway when a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his entourage collided with a stationary truck near Sagamu, close to Lagos.

Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to BBC.

Joshua, 36, who was a passenger in the vehicle, sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital. He was later discharged on Wednesday after receiving medical attention.

Police sources told the BBC that prosecutors had brought four charges against Mr Kayode: causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.

The court granted the defendant bail in the sum of five million naira (about £2,578), and he has been remanded in custody pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

The matter has been adjourned to January 20.

Images circulating after the crash showed Joshua being assisted from the wreckage as emergency services responded to the scene.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, with tributes continuing to pour in for Ayodele and Ghami, both of whom were regarded as key figures in Joshua’s career.

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MTV ends 24-hour music channel, closing a defining chapter in pop culture

Bumba Mulenga — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:13:54 +0000

MTV has shut down its iconic 24-hour music channel, bringing to an end a 44-year era that helped shape global pop culture and revolutionised how audiences consumed music.

The channel officially went off air on January 1, 2026, with its final broadcast featuring Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles — the same song that launched MTV’s first-ever transmission when it debuted in the United States in 1981.

The symbolic choice underscored the end of a platform that once defined music television and influenced generations of artists, fans and broadcasters worldwide, Tempo English reports.

The closure signals a major shift for the network and is expected to have far-reaching implications for MTV’s international operations.

Five MTV-branded music channels in the United Kingdom have already been discontinued — MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live.

Similar shutdowns are anticipated in several other markets, including Poland, Australia, France and Brazil, as part of a broader restructuring exercise by Paramount Global, MTV’s parent company.

While reports point to widespread closures, MTV’s U.S. management has not yet confirmed a complete list of affected international channels.

The move comes amid deep budget cuts at Paramount, driven largely by declining advertising revenue as traditional television audiences for music programming continue to shrink.

Metro reported that the downturn in viewership has made music-only channels increasingly unsustainable in a rapidly changing media landscape.

MTV’s long-standing role as a tastemaker has also been overtaken by digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Spotify, which now dominate music discovery and consumption.

As a result, MTV’s flagship channel will remain on air but will focus primarily on reality television programming rather than music videos.

Despite the closures, Paramount has indicated that it is not abandoning the MTV brand entirely.

Paramount Global chief executive officer, David Ellison, is exploring ways to revive MTV and other cable properties, though no concrete plans have yet been announced.

Last September, The Wall Street Journal revealed that Ellison had sought ideas from leading figures in the music industry, including Irving Azoff and Lucian Grainge, as well as several high-profile artists.

Among the concepts discussed was a possible reinvention of MTV as a digital-first music platform capable of competing with streaming heavyweights such as Spotify and YouTube.

For now, the shutdown of MTV’s 24-hour music channel marks the end of a cultural institution that once defined an era — a reminder of how profoundly the music industry, and the way audiences engage with it, has evolved.

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