Zambian Presidential Hopeful Mundubile Ignites Copperbelt with "Second Independence" Pledge

Multitudes of citizens from across the Copperbelt descended upon Kitwe’s KPF Grounds for the Tonse Alliance Presidential candidate Brian Mundubile’s campaign launch, where he pledged to address the sufferings, restore hope, and dignity to Zambians after the August 13 elections. The rally, held under the banner of the Tonse Alliance, drew widespread support and aimed to position the alliance as the political heir to former president Edgar Lungu’s support base in the region.

Before addressing the crowd, Mundubile acknowledged the Lordship of Jesus Christ, knelt before the podium, and requested his running mate, Makebi Zulu, to pray for him. A solemn moment of silence followed, observed in remembrance of former Republican President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, whose body remains unburied more than a year after his death – an issue the alliance continues to frame as a national and political grievance.

Mundubile began his address by commending the defence and security forces for their commitment to serving Zambia on Defence Forces Day. He then directly tackled the province’s economic anxieties, promising hope and tangible solutions to various segments of the population, including Jerabos (small-scale miners), other miners, retirees, marketeers, street vendors, civil servants, and the youth. He assured them of a significant improvement in their hardships following a change of government on August 13.

A major focus of Mundubile’s promises was the mining sector. He declared to small-scale miners that if elected, the Tonse Alliance government would hand back Senseli Mine, Kikonge, and all mining dump sites from which they were displaced, unequivocally stating that these mining dump sites belong to the Zambian youth. He specifically addressed the Jerabos, saying, “Jerabos you are my children and I don’t want anyone playing with your welfare.” He also assured mining investors of opportunities in greenfield investments, emphasizing that they should not compete with unemployed small-scale miners.

Furthermore, Mundubile promised a major restructuring of local participation in mining supply chains. He pledged that a Tonse Alliance government would incentivize local contractors and mine suppliers by significantly raising the local content threshold from the current 5 percent to 50 percent of all businesses and contracts transacted by mining companies. This move, he argued, would ensure more mining contracts remain in the hands of Zambian businesses and local people.

Beyond the mining sector, Mundubile broadened his appeal with several other promises. For students, he pledged to increase monthly meal allowances to K5,000. Civil servants were assured of debt relief measures through a debt-swap program, aimed at alleviating their sufferings and ending disparities in the civil service, ensuring equitable distribution of wealth. Beneficiaries of the social cash transfer program were also assured of continued benefits.

Mundubile also addressed the critical issue of civil liberties, accusing the UPND government of suppressing citizens through cybercrime laws. He promised to review existing cybercrime laws after August 13, vowing to ensure that citizens could express themselves freely without fear if his alliance were elected.

Earlier in the rally, Makebi Zulu echoed the strategic decision to launch the campaign from the Copperbelt, highlighting that Zambia’s economic story and development began in the area. He noted that despite this, residents of the mining towns continue to suffer and live in abject poverty. Zulu explained that the