Friday, March 29, 2024

UPND President Hakainde Hichilema’s independence message to Zambians

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Fellow Zambians, it is a great privilege to share my thoughts with you on the occasion of our beloved country’s 49th Independence anniversary.

I speak to you not only as a political leader but also as a proud citizen of what is one of the most gifted countries in the world.

Independence Day is a time that we as country must celebrate who we are and what we have achieved. However it is also a day when we must take time for deep reflection. It is a time to take stock of where we find ourselves on this anniversary of the day when Zambia earned the right to determine her own fate.

Zambia has many blessings to count. We have great mineral wealth, expanses of land, rivers crisscrossing that land with fresh water and above all a hardworking, peaceful and peace loving people. For 49 years Zambia has stood united. Today I call on our people to never take these blessings for granted. Let us always celebrate our natural wealth and our great people.

As we enter our 50th year we as a country, we should also ask ourselves a few tough questions. The most important of those questions is whether the citizens of Zambia are enjoying a standard of living that reflects the potential of the country and the gifts God gave it.

Do our mothers in far flung parts of the country access health services for themselves when pregnant and for the children they raise? When a child is born today in Chadiza, Mwense or Kalabo can they hope to access a minimum standard of education that reflects the fact that the country they were born into produces 10% of the world’s copper? Will their nutrition levels show that Zambia has 40% of the water available to SADC region and vast virgin arable land?

Do ordinary citizens in townships and villages all over the country enjoy a standard of living that reflects the fact that Zambia has never been to war but is rather populated by the most peaceable people on the continent? Do our children in every province have a chance to reach their full potential in well-resourced schools that broaden their minds? Do our schools have a minimum standard of education that ensures that Zambia’s brightest children will take their place in the global world?

Fellow Zambians it is my firm belief that as we reflect on 49 years of independence, these are the questions that must be somberly answered.

I call on every citizen to ask themselves if the Zambia they live in is the Zambia they want. If the Zambia we now live in, politically, economically and socially well reflects the blessings God bestowed on this beautiful land and the potential of its great people.

This week, in what has become a wonderful culture; many of our pre-school children will wear outfits made out of the colours of our proud flag. Their teachers will help them paint little flags to take home to their parents. As we look into their trusting eyes and listen to them proudly sing the national anthem thy have learnt, let us all ask ourselves -what Zambia are we bequeathing these little ones? 49 years after Independence what lives are promised the children of Zambia no matter the circumstances of their birth, or which corner of Zambia they happen to live in?

I will end by promising every citizen of this country from Livingstone to Nakonde, Chipata to Mongu that we in the UPND believe that Zambia can be a paradise of peace progress and fulfilled potential. We have the gifts and we have the people.

I would also like to remember all the citizens who sacrificed their lives to attain our freedom and to honor the freedom fighters that are still with us. It is my duty too, to salute the men and women who have contributed to leading and developing Zambia since 1964. Above all I once again congratulate all Zambians on the 49th anniversary of our independence.

God bless this great land.

Hakainde Hichilema
PRESIDENT
UNITED PARTY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

101 COMMENTS

    • Wise message indeed. Big Up HH. In 2011 I voted for President Sata. In 2016, I will vote for HH. Finito!!!

    • have you taken a deeper reflection yourself as an economic saboteur for the plunder you looted during the privatization process?

      Have you taken a deeper reflection on how many families you prematurely sent to their grave as a result of your greed?

      As a leader lead by example…. and is your example economic looting?

      Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you……so would you cry if we looted you too?

      sorry we as a nation cant trust a jerk, a sown and proven tribalist, an economic masturbator like you with the instruments of power……

      You have to come clean and ask for forgiveness from Zambians

    • @Ge, why hasnt HH been arrested if he plundered? There has never even been a day he went to court concerning this.

    • Its really quite unbelievable that some people have families with children and spouses who are proud of them and call them ‘dady, baushi mwana’ etc and yet when they sit on their pcs, laptops, they write drivel, evidence of a polluted mind. It is certainly sick to keep on harping about HH having stollen some money. Surely, this is an offence punisahble by imprisonment once found guilty. Question we must all ask ourselves is: How has HH evaded the dragnet from the Chiluba days, LPM task force, RB and now 2 years into the Cobra presidency? Has there even been a ‘warn and caution’ statement recorded to date? Please help us understand what you mean by saying HH stole money, is he a special citizen immune to prosecution?

    • Somehow, the Gen does not implicate Ukwa in the privatisation process despite the fact that he was a very senior member of the administration that brought it about as was Nkandu Luo, Guy Scott to name but a few. It also astounds me to note that in this day and age there are people who still pine for those nationalised industries that were inefficient and produced second rate goods that were usually unavailable and were a great drain on the public purse.

    • I compared two speeches, HH’s and of Sata. I read all of HH speech it sounds like a message to Zambians. Sata’s speech sounds like instructions and command to PF supporters and not Zambian, and there was no way I could read that speech to last paragraph, whoever wrote it must fired.

    • HH ‘s message is captivating and inspiring indeed. He has proved his statesmanship and is now ready to lead our country. No need to add or subtract any thing as he has asked all important questions which call for serious reflection and discussions to be had. Any sane man or woman would ask the same questions and agree with HH.

    • 2585 vs 1760 or 81 vs 25. in ratio terms if elections were conducted today, voting would have been 3:1.
      Seemly HH has more votes and more like his message.
      PF do something before it is too late

    • Sometime it is important to see sense in what somebody is saying. Please read the message and reflect on it. I know you hate HH, but atleast understand his message.

    • Why not if the reason we fought for independence is to be economically empowered as well and it is not happening, then it is the right day to talk about these things going wrong. Some of them having a system in place which has regards to some regions only.

    • Ba Chota. Who is using the Independe Day for campaign?

      Go to Kitwe today. Someone will address a rally – talk about what they have done blah blah blah.

    • @nostrils whatever…..
      you divide your 78 by 11 cos apart from maybe you, the rest of these comments are done by the same characters changing their pseudos so often.
      and you call yourselves educated…….
      so shameful.
      2016 is just around the corner and your ‘chanda sema’ tonga version will cry again.

    • Sometime it is important to see sense in what somebody is saying. Please read the message and reflect on it. I know you hate HH, but atleast understand his message.

    • Go sing and dance at the independence stadium after Sata got 139% pay rise, more money in his pockets …. and you go drink chibuku and more dust!

    • What HH is saying is that Independence day is for all Zambians. You can celebrate it from anywhere, even in your heart. Nobody can take that achievement from us as Zambians to enjoy celebrations.

      What He DOES NOT WANT TO DO is to go parade and wine and Dance at PF organised CAMPAIGN FUNCTIONS in the guise of Independence Celebrations. He is saying LET ALL ZAMBIANS shun those celebrations but still value the day for what it is.

    • I think you will find that it is pf that is fond of headless chickens – there might even be one today at the rally in Kitwe where people are not free to express themselves – on irony of all ironies ‘independence day’!

  1. HH thanx for that wonderful message. 2016 is waiting for you,continue reminding PF what they promised the pipo of Zambia. You independance message is better than for president Sata. We have learnt something next time will vote wisely.

    • and which reasonable Zambian can surely vote for ba Hakainde surely, except his fellow tribalists and cousins. Even if cows were allowed to vote, Hichilema would not amass enough votes to win. Why don’t you accept reality, the man is not popular, period! Yes he may claim to be popular as always but elections have always placed him where he belongs. From 25 % in 2006, to 19 % in 2008 and then 18 % in 2011. Only one possessed with extreme insanity would say underfive will ever amount to anything in our politics. Mark my words and watch this space

  2. Ba Hakainde, that’s the problem with talking too much. You end up confusing yourself badala. Yesterday you are protesting, today you are praising. Are you really a leader? I think you are laking amano.

    • During the reign of RB, HH used to insult ba shimpundu to the point that bashimpundu complained and said that HH tabamukushishe bwino.And in anger, RB responded by asking why HH was hiding his wife from the public,and he asked,’bushe ni mwenye?’ That is what is haunting him now,you can’t insult abakalamba and have it easy in life.

    • Sounds more like “Kabova” really, one of the reasons why we find ourselves in this mess is because of lack of understanding of things as exhibited by Kabova’s mentality. What HH is saying is simple and straight forward to the enlightened mind. There is no politics but issues raised are economic. He is not even talking about your Sata’s Govt. and his Kaponya cabinet that is forever at war, creating a conducive environment for thugs within their ranks to pollute the peaceful Zambia. Sata’s party has been in power for about two years , Economic ills HH is talking about is shared by all those who have previously ruled including the now PF. So open your eyes Zambia is not SATA or PF it is it’s citizens.

    • @Kabova. It is you who is confused. HH is very clear.

      What HH is saying is that Independence day is for all Zambians. You can celebrate it from anywhere, even in your heart. Nobody can take that achievement from us as Zambians to enjoy celebrations.

      What He DOES NOT WANT TO DO is to go parade and wine and Dance at PF organised CAMPAIGN FUNCTIONS in the guise of Independence Celebrations. He is saying LET ALL ZAMBIANS shun those celebrations but still value the day for what it is.

    • Its a more level headed and zambia focussed message than the kitwe campaign rally of the perrennial campaigner from mpika.

  3. I wish to call on all Zambians to turn up and celebrate our independence. whether you are hungry or full, take time to reflect and thank those men and women who sacrificed their time and life to liberate this great nation. This nation did not get independent during the PF rule…at least this is a fact, but i remember everyone including HH celebrating Independence occasions before the PF formed government i.e during UNIP times. What has suddenly changed now that people should shun this year’s celebrations or is it that PF has been in power for 49 years now and are responsible for all the suffering the people are going through, the
    poor roads, lack of jobs, etc
    Lets be fair as a people. Find other methods to gain political mileage.

    • Even if we all turn up, the cake will only be shared by those in front and with correct connections to the ruling class. we need to reflect on this as well. Is it right that year in and out we watch only a few well dressed in suits share that cake and the rest us are reduced to clapping for them.

    • The gist of what HH is saying is: Have we reached our full potential as a country? If there is any day to discuss/reflect on these issues, it is independence day. Are we going forward or backwards? How can a coutry endowed with natural riches that others can only envey be retrogressing? Are we like those insects that will eat their anus[muzhindo] after eating all the food dry? Let us pause and think.

    • @ kayombo
      Shall we share moneys given to you by the Rulers which in 2 years have managed to destroy little development achieved in previous 47 years? Or, are you so senile that you have forgotten that theft of natural resources and national wealth was perpetuated by your current paymasters?

    • Many times, when somebody is about to enter the promised land, there is always a lot of opposition, battles and stumbling block on the way.

    • @mopao…he is definately coming at this rate. The chaps are afraid of him. I took the liberty of talking to some women from the compound, mostly maids, and they are not happy at all with PF. They want HH come 2016. HH keep yourself level headed, there is still some distance to 2016 but we are with you come what may

  4. Message is very progressive and it just reflected on my thoughts of 49yrs of independence and nothing really to show to the world compare with Singapore and other progressive countries independent same year. Green and Orange (on the flag) represent our natural resources which we have allowed foreigners to loot with no major benefits to the rest our countrymen. We need to serious focus on moving this country forward, yes HEMCS has started major works that seem to empower mainly Chinese contractors with ubufungawu for Zambians. No foreigner will develop Zambia unless we do it ourselves. China is leading the world with a good GDP year in year out what do we learn? China Jang, China Geo,China company(chico), Syno Hydro all these companies are backed by Chinese government.

  5. backed by chinese government to create employment and wealth for the chinese people back home after we give them tenders.
    Our people are mistreated and abused just to get a K300.00 as a monthly salary and your say independence, yes we got political independence but Zambians need to fight to economic independence as this is the only road to better life for all.
    HH carry on you are not alone we are tiered of hero worshiping KK for Political independence we need to move on Economically. What are natural resources if they can’t benefit our people or what is a Father’s wealth if it can’t benefit his family members.

  6. @ Kayombo I don’t think he will. Better still will he share the money he earned from the Zamtel – Lap Green saga done by his consulting firm! I think not, please do some due dilligence before voting certain people into office. I don’t know why people seem so suprised about what Sata is doing, his been around since UNIP, MMD and now PF. The way he was as a minister, is the way he will continue to be as President. The only difference now is the power he has under the constitution.

  7. Indeed HH is confusing. Just the other day he was qouted in the post newspaper insighting pipo to shun the cerebrations. Hear wat he is saying today! Foolish!!

    • @Uwakaele. Its your shallow mind that is confused. HH’s stance and message are simple and clear.

      What HH is saying is that Independence day is for all Zambians. You can celebrate it from anywhere, even in your heart. Nobody can take that achievement from us as Zambians to enjoy celebrations.

      What He DOES NOT WANT TO DO is to go parade and wine and Dance at PF organised CAMPAIGN FUNCTIONS in the guise of Independence Celebrations. He is saying LET ALL ZAMBIANS shun those celebrations but still value the day for what it is.

    • Bwana Mkubwa,read again and again and again the message written by HH,you are the one who seem not to understand the message and you are trying to give your own interpretation. Ichisungu ichi,bwafya sana.

  8. KABOVA AND PF DIE HARD,YOU ARE IN CONGO DRC NO WONDER YOUR SMALL BRAINS,YOU ARE BANYAMULENGE,YOU POLITICISE ANYTHING I DONT THINK HH ANY POLITICAL STATEMENTS HERE ALL HE IS TALKING ABOUT IS PIPO HAVING BASIC NEEDS.INSULT AS MUCH AS YOU WANT AND I WILL BE HAPPY BCOZ YOU ARE UNCULTURED,ILLITERATE AND UNEDUCATED

  9. Bless my country oh LORD. Save us from this misrule as king saul did. Bring david to our rescue. You are a wonderful GOD who listens. May GOD bless Zambia. May GOD bless Africa. Amen

  10. Shiiii not ukulanda……HH is a satanist ati that’s why he fails to look straight into the camera or into the eyes of the interviewer.Naleka ine.

  11. Good message for big brains from HH. One cannot expect a kaponya to understand what the man is saying.

    Look at the statement by the President, His Excellency Mr Michael Sata. Very soberly done and non-controversial. Father-like. Note that he does not attack his political opponents as he would in a political statement. That is the way it should be. HH has also not attacked the Head of State because this is a national statement and not partisan politicking. As for you kaponyas, we are not surprised to see what you write. I have not mentioned any names. You know yourselves but keep the insults to yourselves.

  12. have u wondered why people in r so blind? u r dull compared to developed countries hence developing , know that it takes brains to be developed , I know u cant think for Zambia coz u have no brains for such, so carry on with ur primitive thinking , its a shame.

  13. @kk kwati chimufana,arent you ashamed of your comments?basic needs is what hh is talking about and not politics,its a pity you live in the past,look at what hillary and obama race for presidential candidate and how they worked afterwards rb had sleepless nights from pf critics,read btween the line.why are you in botswana?

    • @Humanity,I should be asking you the same question.Spare your bitterness my friend.I am doing well both in Zambia and outside Zambia.

  14. what a mature message….well said HH, action however speaks louder than words, what have you done for our people thus far? Its time to take stock and reconcile your unifying words and your blatant actions. God bless Zambia!

  15. All politicians are liars. Never be cheated that so and so will make this place a paradise. In the first place all those who aspire for high political offices do so for 90% their benefit and 10% to serve the nation. This is man’s nature. PF has been in power for two years and we have been independent for 49 years and still under developed. why?
    Secondly, running the country is not as easy as we think. You will deliver in one area and the opposition will point on what you have not yet tackled. Just compare a country to a home. Its not everything that you will afford. You may buy all the necessities but still your wife or children will say you have not provided us with that. Even in so called developed world there people who are suffering like us.
    HH do what is writen in mark 10:17-25

  16. @gen
    How dare you try to mislead! If HH looted from whoever, surely is there no sober way to report to the authorities and take appropriate action? Does it mean that assuming that HH truly looted, the care-takens were/are sleepy only to realise now! However, assuming that he looted while those care takers were snoring he is a better looter because Zambian will/are benefiting from him unlike others who could have helped themselves and sent what they acquired out of the country.

  17. hh is right.even those speaking indirectly about him knows that.come to kasama & see how pipo are havng difficults buyng fuel.go to the hospitals & see the quels.prices of good is going higher every day.if some one cant see this then he/she isnt a zambian.

  18. Most bemba tribalist already said it that u mutonga or u mulozi teti ateke chalo. You even heard it from one PF senior member saying that one should marry a bemba to become a president.
    They think Zambia with other 72 tribes is theirs only. KK Knew why he was sing one Zambia one nation day and night. No wonder Barostseland whats to break away.

    • Are you talking about Bembas or Bemba speaking people?- there is a big difference. If you mean Bembas, Sata is not Bemba but Bisa. So insult Bisas if you want to. If you mean Bemba speaking people then the other tribes are far less than 72.

  19. Poor Sata, seems very few people are interested in his Independence Day message! HH has three times more viewers and comments than Sata! Even Sata’s own cadres are running away from him! Ni swabile!

  20. I see nothing sensible in this at all.After widespread condemnation our opposition leader goes and crafts a well written piece to deceive Zambians that he actually cares.
    Can politicians please learn to stand on one principle,the thing our forefathers fought for a long time ago was the right for self determination and that comes with its own challenges.Of course we all want a land of Milk and honey but with the current crop of politicians i doubt if that will happen. HH has in many ways used repulsive language and inappropriate words towards political opponents and that just asks what morality this guy has .The ruling party has done the the same and its something we should be ashamed of .
    I don’t think even people in the UPND know 100% the ideologies of their leader let alone any…

  21. Zambia has failed to develop inspite of the natural and human resource we are endowed with because all the leaders who have ever had the privilege of directing the affairs of this rich nation are not wise. They are actually worse than the character in Jesus parable who, instead of investing and multiplying the money he buried it. With the massive capital at our disposal and a peaceful environment, the leaders have to be mentally retarded to have driven the country to such shameful poverty. Some desert countries with little or no resources are thriving. It’s easy to forecast that with the current crop of leaders Zambia is fast headed for a scrap heap of failed states.

  22. Good message.It gives me hope that this Tonga bull can put better food on my table.Aferall,HH has the benefit of poetic truth that we all eat bulls but not cobras.

  23. Chiluba was a good orator. Obama is a good orator. Do we need good orators?
    HH is not very good orator, but he has proven track record of success in business, farming and family life. His public and private conduct has been exemplary. He has kept himself away from all vices that most of us Zambians have, womanising, drinking, bad mouthing, petty jealousy, always complaining about others and above all laziness and blaming others for our failures.

    Though I am always scared of those who promise heaven on earth in 90 days (like around the world in 90 days movie), my heart tells me that HH is a genuine person, he might not bring food to our tables but he will create opportunities for us to work hard and empower ourselves. He might be a kind of Shock- Therapy to some of us who are spoilt…

  24. . He might be a kind of Shock- Therapy to some of us who are spoilt brats, dependent on political parties for next meal, but stimulus to majority to wake up, go to work and become the writer of our own future.

    Speech is based on facts and talks about our potential and what is needed is harnessing of the same.

    No guess, my vote goes to HH for true independence and freedom. I agree with the Saint.

  25. HH, find an easterner, a bemba and a lozi to build your image. otherwise you yourself and your southerners, you will never rule Zambia. you have marginalized yourself…i left your party coz of this syndrome.

  26. AK47 don’t be tribal , you left because you are tribal yourself. you are the same people accusing Sata of being tribal

  27. This guy lack so much of both wisdom, knowledge and intelligence. While independence day is a commemoration of the struggle for independence and celebration of sacrifices the heroes did to Zambia, it is more a period to pass own Zambian history to young ones about Zambias past, and for what would anyone advocate for people (young and old) to stay away. All people know the much difference there is between PF, MMD and UPND, and surely in normal capacity and national patriotic sense, it was just simple foolishness and lack of organised leadership the call was made. It is like asking for the nation not to go and commemorate Mazkoka’s death because of political difference which are in any case endless. HH is too childish and an insult to Zambian politics simple. With love

  28. The message has a lot of weight and to criticize it would be senseless but then again it is easy to talk the talk and not walk the talk,the way hh has put it sounds so sweet if we had the power with no doubt we would give him the presidency this very moment,the truth of the matter is he has seen an opportunity to gain political mileage by using independence which ain’t right,don’t get me wrong am not on the president’s side either just speaking as a peace loving zambian

  29. yes, points well brought up. but me i have a simple question of, after all the problems you have talked about, the only thing you said is that its possible for zambia to be a paradise, but me i am not interested in hearing that, what i am want to hear is of how and what methods to be precise are you going to use to transform our country into a paradise cause all those things you have said, every mare zambian man can see them and at the end you say what everyone else can say. we are tired of hearing of the same thing that everyone can say what we want to hear is the practical methodolgy not just statements about visible things, we need laid out solutions untill then i have no reason of casting my vote for anyone.

  30. this is the wise man for the great land..so thoughtful and respectful..viva HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

  31. Flip flop, isn’t this the Man who three days ago discouraged people from celebrating independence?, where he said there is nothing to celebrate for?

    • It is people like you who are so lazy in thinking that they fail to appreciate the message in HH’s speech. Ask the hard questions, else you are doomed in mediocrity.

  32. Sata is working very hard to turn around this country. As you all know this country was run down during the MMD Chiluba government. Levy tried his best but unfortunately yhe Lord took him away. Thank God Rupia did not stay long enough to plunder the country. God answered our prayers and gave us Sata. Developement starts with roads infrastructure. We are all seeng what sata is doing and the dirction he is going. Let us just give him all our support and you will see ewhat he would have done come 2016. Long live Sata, Long live mother Zambia.

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