Government has dismissed claims circulating on social media that church meetings, overnight prayers, crusades and other public gatherings have been suspended until 1 November 2026.
Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana has clarified that no such directive has been issued by the Secretary to the Cabinet or by Government.
In a statement issued in Lusaka, Kawana said the information circulating on social media is false and does not represent any Government decision or directive.
He said Government remains committed to upholding the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Zambia, including provisions relating to freedom of conscience, religion or belief and the right to peaceful assembly.
Kawana said Government had noted with concern that the alleged directive had been attributed to the Secretary to the Cabinet.
He has therefore urged members of the public to verify information purporting to originate from Government institutions or public officials before sharing or acting on it.
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The Permanent Secretary also encouraged media organisations and other individuals involved in disseminating information to verify such claims with the relevant authorities before publishing or circulating them.
Kawana emphasised that official Government decisions and directives are communicated through established Government channels and authorised spokespersons.
He consequently urged members of the public to rely on official Government communication platforms for accurate and verified information regarding Government policies, decisions and directives.
“Government will continue to provide timely and accurate information to the public on matters of national interest,” Kawana said.
He reiterated that Government remains committed to upholding the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Zambia.
The clarification comes amid social media messages claiming that religious gatherings and other public meetings had been suspended until 1 November 2026.
Government has now made clear that no such suspension directive has been issued, according to the Ministry of Information and Media.
