Zambia National Service

The Zambia National Service Commander, Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi II, together with the entire Zambia National Service family, extends deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Ngoni Royal Family, the Ngoni-speaking people, and the nation at large on the passing of His Royal Highness Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV.

We remember the late Nkosi Yama Nkosi for his passion and unwavering commitment to the development of his chiefdom, the warmth and humility with which he related to Zambia National Service personnel working in his area as well as to our delegations whenever we paid courtesy calls on him. He was a traditional leader whose wisdom, humility, promotion of unity across ethnic groupings, and dedication to the preservation of peace earned him widespread admiration and respect throughout Zambia.

His unwavering commitment to preserving Ngoni culture, coupled with his desire to see multitudes of Zambians gather and celebrate the iconic N’cwala Ceremony in a conducive environment, inspired him to champion the construction of a concrete platform at the Mutenguleni Arena — a project which the Zambia National Service was honoured to undertake.

His passing is, therefore, a profound loss not only to the Ngoni people, but also to the Zambia National Service and the nation as a whole.

As we mourn this distinguished custodian of our rich cultural heritage, we stand in solidarity with the bereaved family, the Ngoni Royal Establishment, and all those affected by this great loss. During this difficult time, we pray that the Almighty God grants comfort, strength, and solace to all who mourn.

Some wounds take time. Some losses leave empty spaces. Some questions remain unanswered. Yet through it all, God remains constant.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Whatever this week holds, may you experience the comfort that only God can give, the kind that reaches places words cannot touch.

🤍 The Lord is with you, and His comfort never fails.

Government Urges Military, Security Wings to Maintain Peace Ahead of Elections

Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Hamaundu has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to global peace and security, with a call on security wings and citizens to safeguard peace ahead of the country’s general elections

Speaking during the 2026 United Nations Peacekeepers Day Prayer Service held in commemoration of the 77th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping in Lusaka yesterday, the Permanent Secretary urged military personnel to protect peace and ensure citizens vote in a safe and free environment, ahead of the August 13 polls.

Mr Hamaundu emphasized that peaceful elections are the foundation of a strong and united country, further calling for professionalism among military personnel.

“As our country heads towards the general elections, your duty as military personnel extends beyond defending boarders. It includes protecting the peace and stability of our country.Peaceful elections are the foundation of a strong and united country let us protect the peace and ensure that every citizen votes safely and freely,” Mr Hamaundu said.

He hailed the military’s commitment in maintaining law, peace and order and has recognized the bravery and sacrifice of peacekeepers serving across the globe, further honoring those who have lost their lives in pursuit of peace.

The Permanent Secretary also praised Zambian troops serving in various United Nations peacekeeping missions for their professionalism, discipline and dedication to protecting civilians, promoting human rights and supporting democratic institutions in conflict-affected countries.

“I wish to urge all of us to continue praying for sustained peace in our country and the entire global. Further, we pray also for strength and protection of all the global peacekeepers, the Zambian battalion in the Central African Republic and military observers as they continue to promote peace in the world," Mr Hamaundu said.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to peace that together, we may build a better and safer world for the future generations. Instability anywhere is instability everywhere,” he added.

Mr Hamaundu reiterated Zambia’s commitment towards sustaining strong partnerships with the United Nations, Civil Society Organization’s and other stakeholders in promoting peace, human rights, economic development, health and education.

And United Nations Acting Resident Coordinator Dr Peter Lasuba said attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and called on Member States to uphold their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel at all times.

“This International Day, we honor peacekeepers past and present and reaffirm our shared responsibility to respect and strengthen their work. We pay tribute to the nearly 4,500 peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948, including 59 last year. No one should die serving the cause of peace,"Dr Lusuba said.

"In an era of rising tensions, peacekeeping is a proven and cost-effective way to restore stability and hope. But it requires steady political backing and reliable financial support. An investment in peacekeeping is an investment in a safer future. Let us always support the people who help make peace possible,” he emphasized.

PHOTO FOCUS: Director General for Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority, TEVETA, Mr Cleophas Takaiza, yesterday led a team of technocrats in paying a courtesy call on the Zambia National Service (ZNS) Command to explore possible partnership in youth apprenticeship and practical mentorship.

ZNS HANDS OVER NEW MAMBULWE BRIDGE IN NANGOMA

The Zambia National Service (ZNS) has officially handed over a newly constructed Mambulwe bridge in Nangoma Constituency of Mumbwa District ,describing it as a major boost to development and economic activity in the area.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Mumbwa today, the ZNS Commander Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi II said the bridge symbolised hope and opportunity for local communities.

“It will be a bridge of opportunity, a bridge of economic activity, and indeed a bridge of hope for the people of Nangoma Constituency,” he said.

Lt Gen Solochi thanked the Road Development Agency (RDA) for the continued confidence and trust placed in ZNS to deliver critical infrastructure projects.

He said ZNS treats every infrastructure assignment as an important national duty that must be executed professionally and efficiently.

The ZNS Commander noted that reliable roads and bridges improve access to markets, schools and health facilities, especially in rural communities often cut off during the rainy season.

“Where there is a good road network and reliable crossing points, farmers are able to transport their produce to markets, children are able to access schools safely, and expectant mothers can reach health facilities in time,” he said.

Lt Gen Solochi further said ZNS remains committed to supporting government development programmes through the delivery of quality and durable infrastructure across the country.

And the immediate former Nangoma Member of Parliament Honourable Engineer Collins Nzovu commended ZNS for the quality and speedy construction of the Mambulwe Bridge in Nangoma Constituency.

Eng Nzovu also thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for responding swiftly to the concerns of the people who desperately needed a safer and more reliable crossing point.

“The old bridge was unstable and shallow against the strong water current, causing loss of lives and cutting off connections for the people,” he said.

Eng Nzovu added that the newly constructed bridge would greatly improve transportation and economic activities in the area, especially for farmers who previously struggled to move their produce to markets.

“Farmers will now be able to transport their produce easily and communities will remain connected throughout the year,” he said.

Meanwhile, Road Development Agency (RDA) Road Maintenance Chief Engineer Eng Paul Habasimbi said the bridge was constructed in partnership with the Zambia National Service at a total cost of K1.5 million.

Eng Habasimbi revealed that the project was completed within three weeks, describing the collaboration between RDA and ZNS as a demonstration of government’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure to local communities.

PHOTO FOCUS: Earlier today,the Republican President and Commander-in-Chief, Mr Hakainde Hichilema led Service Chiefs, members of the Diplomatic Corps and Freedom Fighters in commemorating the 63rd Africa Freedom Day in Lusaka under the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

The commemoration began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Freedom Statue before the President later presided over the Investiture Ceremony at State House, where 16 individuals were honoured for their distinguished service, achievements and acts of gallantry.

Happy Monday and Happy Africa Freedom Day! 🌍✨

Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and freedom of Africa and her people. As we begin this new week, may we walk boldly in purpose, unity, and hope, knowing that true freedom comes from God.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

May this Monday remind us that freedom is not only about breaking chains, but also about rising with courage, faith, and determination to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.

Africa is strong. Africa is rising. Keep pushing forward, keep believing, and never stop shining. 🇿🇲🌍💚

In a solemn show of unity and respect, Deputy Service Chiefs that included the Deputy Zambia National Service Commander and Chief of Staff Major General Reuben Mwewa this afternoon visited the funeral house of the former Deputy Inspector General of Police for Administration Alita Mbahwe to offer condolences to the bereaved family following her death on May 19, 2026.

Ms Mbahwe’s distinguished service and unwavering dedication to national duty left an indelible mark on Zambia’s security sector.

Mozambique National Service Courts ZNS for Enhanced Institutional Growth

The Mozambique National Service (MNS) Commander, Major General Tiago Alberto Nampele, says his Institution is looking to strengthen its operational and developmental capacity through closer collaboration with Zambia National Service (ZNS).

The MNS Commander says his country is particularly interested in tapping into ZNS’ expertise in agriculture, agro-processing, instructor training and the implementation of development-oriented national service programmes.

“We need to be re-oriented by ZNS on the implementation of various tools that can help make our National Service more effective and successful,” Maj Gen Nampele has indicated.

He has further indicated how Mozambique will require support from ZNS in training MNS instructors and specialised experts in various production and developmental spheres, as well as guidance in strengthening production systems and trade-related initiatives.

The MNS Commander made the remarks yesterday when the ZNS Commander, Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi II paid a courtesy call on him at Mozambique National Service Headquarters as part of the benchmarking tour of the Southeast coastal nation.

And Lt Gen Solochi has highlighted how Zambia and Mozambique have continued to enjoy strong Institutional ties built on cooperation and shared regional goals.

“As you may recall, Zambia National Service had the distinct honour of contributing to the establishment of the Mozambique National Service through various benchmarking engagements and Institutional exchanges undertaken several years ago,” the ZNS Commander pointed out.

Lt Gen Solochi has noted how encouraging it is to ZNS to witness the continued growth of the Mozambique National Service and its visible contribution to national development and youth empowerment in the neighbouring country.

He has revealed that discussions are already underway to facilitate the exchange and attachment of personnel and experts between the two Institutions in areas such as agriculture and infrastructure development.

“We are here to revive and deepen our relationship. We came to import ideas from Mozambique and export ideas from Zambia because as sister Services, we need to continue learning from one another,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the ZNS Commander and his delegation visited the Higher Institute of Defence Studies (ISEDEF) before ending the day with a tour of the Maputo Fortress, a museum of important military history in Mozambique.