“You Cannot Cure The Fever By Smashing The Thermometer,” Says M’membe

Socialist Party President Dr. Fred M’membe has launched a scathing attack on the United Party for National Development (UPND) government, accusing the ruling party of blatant hypocrisy and selective amnesia over political chanting at sporting events. Dr. M’membe’s remarks follow recent statements from the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts—articulated through Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe—which condemned political slogans at venues like Nkana Stadium, labelling them as unacceptable threats capable of stoking rival tensions. Dr. M’membe asserted that the government is panicking over public discontent manifesting in football arenas, famously noting that "you cannot cure the fever by smashing the thermometer". He highlighted the stark contrast between the UPND's current stance and its historical conduct in opposition, reminding the public that party loyalists frequently utilized soccer stadiums to popularize slogans such as "Salt Sana" and "Bally Will Fix It" without facing state interference or moral lecturing on the sanctity of sports. The Socialist Party leader maintained that political expression does not become a national security threat simply because the tide has turned against the incumbent leadership. He argued that if chanting slogans was considered a legitimate exercise of democratic free speech when the UPND was seeking votes, ordinary citizens and soccer fans must be afforded the exact same liberties to voice their frustrations over contemporary economic hardships. The controversy underscores growing political sensitivities in Zambia as sports venues increasingly serve as barometers for public sentiment regarding the cost of living, fuel prices, and broader governance issues. Analysts note that while the state aims to keep competitive sports insulated from partisan toxicity, heavy-handed attempts to regulate crowd behavior risk alienating fans and amplifying accusations of democratic regression. Dr. M’membe concluded by challenging the administrati