The Post
The Post was an independent Zambian newspaper known for its commercially successful circulation and outspoken criticism of successive governments.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
The Post was an independent newspaper published in Zambia from 1991 until its closure in 2016. It was established in Lusaka by accountant Fred M'membe together with Mike Hall, John Mukela and Matsautso Phiri. M'membe became managing director of Post Newspapers Ltd and was responsible for developing the commercial side of the enterprise, while the other founders concentrated more heavily on editorial work. The publication began as a weekly newspaper but expanded its reach rapidly, moving to nationwide distribution and, by 1996, publishing from Monday to Friday. By 2000 it had become a daily newspaper. The paper occupied an important position in Zambia's post-independence media environment. Alongside a small number of major newspapers, it developed a reputation for strong political reporting, editorial independence and direct criticism of government officials. BBC reporting described it as Zambia's most popular and best-selling newspaper at one point. Its readership and influence were linked not only to conventional news coverage but also to its role as a platform for opinions that were less likely to appear in state-owned media. The Post was therefore frequently treated as both a commercial newspaper and a significant institution in public debate. The newspaper's editorial posture brought repeated conflicts with political leaders, courts and state authorities. In 2001, Fred M'membe was arrested after referring to President Frederick Chiluba as a thief in material published by the paper. A related case was later disposed of by President Levy Mwanawasa in 2002. M'membe was arrested again in 2005 on defamation allegations arising from an editorial that sharply criticized Mwanawasa. Other contentious material included Roy Clarke's satirical article “Mfuwe,” which was understood as insulting the president and led to deportation proceedings that Clarke successfully challenged in court, and an article by law professor Muna Ndulo about the Chansa Kabwela case that resulted in contempt proceedings against the newspaper in 2009. The Post also became associated with broader political reporting during the debate over whether President Chiluba should seek a third term. The newspaper was widely believed to have contributed to opposition to the proposed constitutional change. Its prominence made it a visible voice for government critics, but also made it vulnerable to pressure from state institutions and regulators. The publication ultimately ceased operations in 2016 after failing to settle tax obligations. The closure was described by critics and observers as politically motivated because of the newspaper's persistent criticism of the government. The paper's website, postzambia.com, is no longer available as an active newspaper site according to the supplied reference material. The Post is consequently treated as a defunct Zambian newspaper brand rather than an active media outlet.
History
The Post was founded in 1991 as a weekly newspaper based in Lusaka. Its founders were Fred M'membe, Mike Hall, John Mukela and Matsautso Phiri. M'membe, an accountant, became managing director of Post Newspapers Ltd and was assigned responsibility for building the business, while the other founders focused primarily on editorial work. The publication soon expanded beyond Lusaka and began distributing across Zambia. By 1996, The Post had developed into a Monday-to-Friday newspaper. Four years later it was publishing daily and had established itself as one of Zambia's principal newspapers. Its growth was both commercial and editorial: the paper expanded its frequency and reach while developing a reputation for outspoken political journalism. It was regarded as independent from the Zambian government and became an alternative to state-owned media for readers seeking critical reporting and commentary. The paper's influence was particularly visible in national political debates. It was widely believed to have helped oppose President Frederick Chiluba's attempt to change the constitution so that he could pursue a third term. This placed the newspaper at the center of conflicts between independent media and political authorities. In 2001, Fred M'membe was arrested after The Post published a reference to Chiluba as a thief. The matter was later disposed of by President Levy Mwanawasa in 2002. Relations with Mwanawasa's administration were also contentious. In 2005, M'membe was arrested on defamation allegations relating to an editorial that condemned the president in highly insulting terms. The newspaper published Roy Clarke's satirical “Mfuwe,” which was interpreted as portraying Mwanawasa as incompetent or useless. The article contributed to deportation proceedings against Clarke, who successfully challenged the action in court. In 2009, The Post was cited for contempt after publishing Muna Ndulo's article, “The Chansa Kabwela case: a comedy of errors,” concerning a politically sensitive court case. The Post's Sunday edition was known as the Sunday Post and included Educational Post, a special section focused on education. These editions extended the brand beyond daily political reporting and gave it a broader newspaper portfolio. At its height, the paper was described by the BBC as Zambia's most popular and best-selling newspaper. The publication closed in 2016 after failing to settle tax obligations. The closure was described by critics as a politically motivated action connected to the paper's repeated criticism of government. With the newspaper no longer publishing and its supplied website no longer functioning as an active publication site, The Post is classified as defunct. Its historical importance rests on its role as a leading independent newspaper, its influence in constitutional and political debates, and the repeated legal and governmental pressure associated with its editorial stance.
- 2016
Publication ends
[1]The Post closes after failing to settle tax obligations.
- 2000
The Post becomes a daily newspaper
[1]The publication reaches daily frequency and becomes one of Zambia's leading politically outspoken newspapers.
- 1996
Weekday publication begins
[1]The newspaper expands from weekly publication to a Monday-to-Friday schedule.
- 1991
The Post is founded in Lusaka
[1]Fred M'membe, Mike Hall, John Mukela and Matsautso Phiri establish The Post as a weekly Zambian newspaper.
Products and positioning
Independent, commercially oriented and politically outspoken Zambian newspaper
Daily newspaper · 1991
The Post
The core newspaper brand began as a weekly Lusaka publication, expanded to weekday publishing by 1996 and became a daily newspaper by 2000. It combined general news, political reporting, editorials and opinion writing, and became known for criticism of government and public officials.
Sunday newspaper
Sunday Post
The Sunday Post was the Sunday edition of The Post. It extended the newspaper's coverage into a weekend format and formed part of the publication's broader print offering.
Education supplement
Educational Post
Educational Post was a special education-focused section carried within the Sunday Post. It represented the brand's coverage beyond political and general current-affairs journalism.
Controversies
Brand decisions
2016
Closure following tax enforcementOtherBackground
The newspaper failed to settle tax obligations amid a history of conflict with government authorities over its critical editorial position.
Action taken
Publication was ended and the newspaper closed.
Aftermath
The Post became a defunct newspaper brand; critics characterized the closure as politically motivated.
2000
Transition to daily publicationStrategyBackground
After expanding its schedule and national distribution, The Post continued increasing its publishing frequency.
Action taken
The newspaper began publishing daily.
Aftermath
The Post became a major and highly outspoken newspaper in Zambia.
1996
Expansion to weekday publicationStrategyBackground
The newspaper's initial weekly model had developed sufficient reach for a more frequent publishing schedule.
Action taken
The Post began publishing from Monday through Friday.
Aftermath
The expansion preceded the paper's transition to daily publication in 2000.
Recent events
- 2009
The Post faces contempt proceedings over Chansa Kabwela commentary[1]
Lawsuit · Other
The newspaper was cited for contempt after publishing law professor Muna Ndulo's commentary on the Chansa Kabwela case.
- 2005
Fred M'membe faces defamation arrest over editorial criticism[1]
Lawsuit · Other
M'membe was arrested on defamation allegations linked to an editorial that used strongly critical language about President Levy Mwanawasa.
- 2002
Case involving M'membe disposed of under President Mwanawasa[1]
Lawsuit · Other
The case arising from the Chiluba-related publication was disposed of by President Levy Mwanawasa.
- 2001
Fred M'membe arrested after criticism of President Chiluba[1]
Lawsuit · Other
Fred M'membe was arrested after material published by The Post described President Frederick Chiluba as a thief.
Roy Clarke challenges deportation proceedings after satirical article[1]
Lawsuit · Other
A satirical article published by The Post led to deportation proceedings against writer Roy Clarke. Clarke successfully contested the proceedings in court.
Sources1 sources
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/zambia-post · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled