Zed News Podcast

Thursday, June 12th, 2025 12.06.2025 8min

This special 500th and final episode of the Zed News Podcast reflects on recent political discourse, including calls for Edgar Lungu's retirement, and highlights economic developments like the appointment of a new ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson and advancements in renewable energy, while also addressing concerns surrounding Bill 7 and calls for unity amidst political tensions and grief. The episode concludes with gratitude to listeners and a look ahead to a new daily news digest format. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 16 articles from 2 sources. The size of the audio file is 7.44 MB. Running time is 8 minutes, 5 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 11.06.2025 7min

Episode 499 covers Zambia's pressing healthcare shortages and concerns over governance issues like board chairs becoming CEOs, alongside economic updates and political reflections. The episode also touches on sports disappointments and critical food security challenges facing the nation. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 13 articles from 2 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.50 MB. Running time is 7 minutes, 3 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 10.06.2025 6min

This episode covers the passing of former President Edgar Lungu and the ensuing political tensions, including calls for unity during mourning, power struggles within the Patriotic Front, and government transparency concerns. Other key stories include riots in Serenje District, a young mother's desertion case, allegations of misused funds by a Justice Minister, and the national football team's COSAFA Cup exit. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 16 articles from 3 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.38 MB. Running time is 6 minutes, 56 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Monday, June 9th, 2025 09.06.2025 6min

This episode of Zed News covers the passing of former President Lungu and the subsequent political fallout, including accusations and calls for respectful mourning. Other key stories include concerns about election fairness, government efforts to combat corruption in the fuel sector, and the Copper Queens midfielder's recovery, highlighting both challenges and moments of national unity in Zambia. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 10 articles from 1 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.38 MB. Running time is 6 minutes, 56 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Friday, June 6th, 2025 06.06.2025 21min

First Quantum Minerals reports significant progress on its S3 project, a key development set to boost copper production and the economy. The episode also covers major national news, including the passing of former President Edgar Lungu and recommendations for electoral reform. Today's edition is presented in English (United States) and consists of 13 articles from 3 sources. The size of the audio file is 20.01 MB. Running time is 21 minutes, 49 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Thursday, June 5th, 2025 05.06.2025 7min

This episode of the Zed News Podcast covers Zambia's economic growth fueled by mining investments and the political landscape shaped by the Bishops' Council's warning to the UPND and the Electoral Reform Technical Committee report. Additionally, the episode touches on social issues like street vendor rights, healthcare worker exports, and the passing of former President Edgar Lungu. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 18 articles from 3 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.51 MB. Running time is 7 minutes, 4 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 04.06.2025 6min

This episode of the Zed News Podcast covers a range of Zambian news, including the Copper Queens' recent defeat and concerns about WAfCON readiness, the contentious K16 million pollution compensation, and President Hichilema's commitment to paying taxes on cattle sales. Other key stories include UNIP's rally restrictions and Sylvia Kalaba's upcoming trial, highlighting issues of power dynamics, justice, and societal norms. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 15 articles from 2 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.31 MB. Running time is 6 minutes, 51 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025 03.06.2025 6min

Today's Zed News covers the postponed Mfuwe by-election and debates around constitutional reforms, particularly concerning increased presidential power and the need for broader inclusion of women and marginalized groups. The episode also highlights positive economic news with lower fuel prices due to increased competition, and encourages the Zambia Air Force to pursue higher-tech industries. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 11 articles from 2 sources. The size of the audio file is 5.65 MB. Running time is 6 minutes, 8 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Monday, June 2nd, 2025 02.06.2025 6min

Zed News Episode 492 covers Zambia's economic outlook, including the central bank's cautious monetary policy, ZAMEFA's revenue gains despite profit dips, and President Hichilema's push for beef export diversification. The episode also addresses the healthcare sector's challenges, accountability in leadership, and the Copper Queens' WAFCON preparations. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 21 articles from 3 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.42 MB. Running time is 6 minutes, 58 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Friday, May 30th, 2025 30.05.2025 8min

Today's Zed News covers Permanent Secretary Nicholas Phiri's broken promise on ambulance delivery and the implications for government accountability, alongside President HH's vision for national food self-sufficiency. The episode also addresses economic news, including a dip in inflation, and emphasizes the importance of road safety following several tragic accidents. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 18 articles from 2 sources. The size of the audio file is 7.97 MB. Running time is 8 minutes, 40 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Thursday, May 29th, 2025 29.05.2025 6min

Today's Zed News covers concerns over public trust in Zambia's judiciary, especially regarding electoral disputes, and the violence surrounding the upcoming Lumezi by-election. The podcast also examines the limited representation for persons with disabilities in the draft Constitution and the government's claims of laying a foundation for economic recovery. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 11 articles from 2 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.19 MB. Running time is 6 minutes, 43 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 28.05.2025 7min

Today's Zed News covers several significant stories, including a report on Lusaka massage parlors involved in sex trafficking and the political fallout surrounding former President Lungu's comments on cybersecurity laws. The episode further discusses concerns of democratic backsliding with accusations against President Hichilema alongside a bumper maize harvest, sports news, and a disturbing child abuse case. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 12 articles from 2 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.59 MB. Running time is 7 minutes, 9 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 27.05.2025 7min

Today's Zed News covers a disturbing case of exploitation in Kitwe, political concerns over chiefs engaging in partisan politics, and criticisms of Zambia's focus on social media over development. The episode also highlights Zambia's participation in African Development Bank meetings and the Copper Queens' advancements in women's football. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 10 articles from 2 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.55 MB. Running time is 7 minutes, 7 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Monday, May 26th, 2025 26.05.2025 6min

This episode of Zed News covers the assault on a Zambian business figure by street vendors, raising concerns about urban management and informal economy clashes, and the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7, which threatens democratic values by expanding executive power. The podcast also discusses Zambia's economic growth challenges and highlights political developments in Malawi, as well as local issues like a child being attacked by a rooster. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 14 articles from 2 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.38 MB. Running time is 6 minutes, 56 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Friday, May 23rd, 2025 23.05.2025 7min

This episode of Zed News covers Faith Bwalya's historic Miss World run and Zambia's impressive maize harvest, projecting significant GDP growth. It also highlights ongoing corruption cases, political tensions surrounding upcoming by-elections, and concerns about the narrowing of democratic space in Zambia. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 15 articles from 2 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.99 MB. Running time is 7 minutes, 36 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 22.05.2025 8min

Today's Zed News Podcast covers the political fallout from the Mfuwe by-election, opposition accusations against President HH, and discussions on amending the Bill of Rights, as well as load shedding updates and China's offer to assist with traditional medicine. The episode also touches on international recognition for Zambian peacekeeping efforts and the COSAFA Cup draw. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 17 articles from 3 sources. The size of the audio file is 7.68 MB. Running time is 8 minutes, 21 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 21.05.2025 7min

This is episode 484 of the Zed News Podcast. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 17 articles from 3 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.56 MB. Running time is 7 minutes, 7 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 20.05.2025 6min

Today's Zed News covers critical issues in Zambia, including the strain on higher education infrastructure, China's health aid amid US funding cuts, and the UPND's political mobilization efforts. The episode also touches on successes in youth sports and disturbing developments in a high-profile murder case, highlighting the need for systemic reform and stronger protections for public officials and vulnerable individuals. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 17 articles from 3 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.32 MB. Running time is 6 minutes, 52 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Monday, May 19th, 2025 19.05.2025 7min

Today's Zed News Podcast covers the RDAZ proposal for medical supply chain oversight following the US aid withdrawal, emphasizing the need for accountability. The episode also touches on President HH's call for national unity, the U-17 girls' soccer victory, and concerns around social justice issues like protest rights and a pollution probe in the Kafue River. Today's edition is presented in English (South Africa) and consists of 12 articles from 2 sources. The size of the audio file is 6.78 MB. Running time is 7 minutes, 22 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.

Friday, May 16th, 2025 16.05.2025 11min

Five notorious phone snatchers operating near the Kafue bridge have been jailed, bringing resolution to a public safety issue. Separately, significant diplomatic developments unfold regarding US health aid cuts over drug theft allegations and China's subsequent offer of HIV assistance. Today's edition is presented in English (United States) and consists of 16 articles from 2 sources. The size of the audio file is 10.66 MB. Running time is 11 minutes, 36 seconds. Check out the episode notes for more information, including links to the news sources.