Hichilema's Re-Election Celebrated as 'Ba Nguzu' Switches Allegiance
Veteran Zambian actor Mutale Monde, known as Mr Nguzu, has publicly congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on his 2026 re-election, a dramatic shift after his prior support for the opposition. This comes amidst international felicitations from Angolan President João Lourenço and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, both recognizing Zambia's democratic maturity and anticipating continued progress under Hichilema's leadership.
In a dramatic twist mirroring the unpredictable plotlines of his hit television series, veteran Zambian actor Mutale Monde, universally known as Mr Nguzu from the fan-favourite drama Mpali, has publicly extended his congratulations to President Hakainde Hichilema following the 2026 presidential election cycle. This sudden public declaration has stunned political observers and entertainment fans alike, as just weeks prior, Monde was actively on the campaign trail forcefully backing the opposition.
Monde took to his official Facebook page to deliver an effusive message of support directly to the Head of State, stating, “We are the people of this Republic and love the leadership of this country. Other than that, we love you and God bless you.” This warm message marked a stark contrast to his recent political activities and quickly triggered a massive wave of reactions from social media users tracking the intersection of local celebrity culture and Zambian politics. Monde’s endorsement of the status quo comes on the heels of his highly visible role in the opposition’s mobilisation efforts. In July 2026, the award-winning actor shocked the country when he officially aligned himself with the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance and the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP). He was spotted sharing a high-profile podium in Luanshya alongside opposition leader Brian Mundubile, explicitly endorsing him and promising him his vote while calling for transformative governance. At the time, his public backing was seen as a massive cultural boost for the opposition alliance.
Beyond the domestic sphere, President Hichilema’s re-election has also garnered significant international recognition. The President of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, conveyed his congratulations to President-Elect Hakainde Hichilema. In his message, President Lourenço described the August 13 elections as a reflection of Zambia’s democratic maturity, noting the people’s sovereign decision to renew their trust in President Hichilema as a leader who guarantees progress and development. He conveyed best wishes for success in the new mandate and expressed hope for deeper bilateral cooperation between Angola and Zambia, emphasizing joint projects that will promote development in both countries.
Similarly, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has also congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election. Communicated through Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, President Herzog expressed confidence that Zambia will continue to achieve great success and remain on a path of progress under President Hichilema’s leadership. These wide-ranging endorsements highlight the multifaceted responses to the recent Zambian presidential election.