received from Enock Makabi, a land mine survivor at Nyeka village in
chief Nyakaseya’s area in Ikeleng’e
ECSTASY and awe on Saturday engulfed diners at Kansanshi Hotel in Solwezi after President Lungu’s three personal effects, which included his favourite Boss designer Panama hat, fetched a whooping K55,200 at the fall of the hammer during an auction.
The funds will go towards mobilising and strengthening the party in the province.
Other items included a scarlet ceremonial bow tie, which attracted K4,200, and a wrist watch which Mr Lungu described as “sentimental”, which fetched a cool K16,000.
President Lungu’s hat was, however, the most tightly contested for as stakes increased rapidly to K35,000 from Solwezi businessman Gerard Chibuye, who finally got it.
It all unfolded in dramatic style and indeed celebrity lifestyle.
It all started when North-Western Province permanent secretary Amos Malupenga, who was master of ceremonies at the fundraising dinner ‘ordered’ President Lungu to surrender the personal effects, which he was already wearing sending the audience into laughter.
The head of State readily surrendered the items after undoing his bow tie, attracting loud cheers from the audience.
The light moments continued as Mr Malupenga collected the items saying twaswamo translated as ‘we have harvested’, before the adored collection went up for grabs to the highest bidders.
President Lungu later ‘crowned’ the newly-acquired prized possessions onto the new owners as some diners burst into jubilation while others watched in admiration.
Speaking after the brief auction sale, Mr Lungu said he would miss the wristwatch, especially because of some emotional attachment to the gadget.
He disclosed that the watch was bought for him when he was a Cabinet minister on one of the trips to West Africa by Minister of Finance Alexander Chikwanda.
“It is a sentimental watch and I attach so much value to it,” said President Lungu.
And speaking later at the same dinner, the President said there is need for leaders to interact and learn from the people.
“No one has the monopoly of wisdom, we need to socialise so that we can learn from our people and even accord them an opportunity to challenge us. Leaders must interact freely with people.
“I’m proud to be your President and I will deliver as I promised. I want us to work together and move the country forward. Let us move away from politics and do the work,” Mr Lungu said.
And North-Western Province Minister Dawson Kafwaya said people in the province are happy with President Lungu’s four-day visit, which ends today.
Mr Kafwaya noted that it is the first time since 2010 that a head of State is visiting the province for such a lengthy period.
Let move away from politics of hatred and embrace a once upon a time United Happy Prosperous Zambia. ECL continue preaching peace and unity.
Is Malupenga not a Civil Servant? Can the Secretary to Cabinet take corrective action. @ Chris, how is Lungu promoting peace when his Police Force is harassing his main opponent HH. How can Lungu openly encourage participation of a senior civil servant in politics as Amos dd?
Let us move away from politics and do the work,” Mr Lungu said.
This is what our country needs. There’s just too much politics and little or no talk and action on develpment
Well done Amos Malupenga, whoever came up with such an initiative was smart. I think it was Kapita, the PF wouldn’t come up with “twaswamo” idea.
Should have sold shoes too. That watch must be a cheap disco, what is the brand?
Why was Ndobo in this, how can you guys allow a “already” poor guy to sell his stuff?
I offer to replace his Hugo Boss “Panama” hat.
Mr Kafwaya noted that it is the first time since 2010 that a head of State is visiting the province for such a lengthy period. And what was the achievement/expectations? Will it lead to reduced cost of living, access to school for children from poor families, reduced poverty, better health system?
@be objective- I saw that too! But in 2010 there was RB on the hot seat! The next guy obviously didn’t care much for NWP (the new golden goose on the block!), so for Mr Kafwaya it was an indictment on the leader who ruled between 2010 to before EL! However, with the recent gradings of the third biggest mines tax payers, they need to retain a piece of the cake!
It cannot happen in this shortest period of time. However the president did well to visit his people.
it was a party mobilization tour. in two weeks time kafwaya is defecting to PF. this trip was to welcome kapita. names starting with ‘ka’ have viruses. Four the first time in solwezi four days no load shedding.
No trying to win votes in 2016. Cheap politics.
I hope the items auctioned are not possessed with demons of Kachasu.
Otherwise, the highest birders may end up being reckless Kachasu Drunkards like the owner “The Famous Kachasu Man”
This is my friendly advise, i thank you.
Kanyo kobe wabe ndofu ukununka
You don’t need to go that far to mobilise resources. Just get the right people to do the right jobs and let the people of Zambia’s bread basket province also enjoy the fruits harvested from their province.
It’s not rocket science to order sanity in administration of all provinces. Let’s start from the basics such as sanitation, health and shelter then move on to prosperity. Get these things right and people will vote and respect you.
“No one has the monopoly of wisdom, we need to socialise so that we can learn from our people and even accord them an opportunity to challenge us. Leaders must interact freely with people.”
Please tell the police so that LEADERS CAN INTERACT FREELY WITH THE PEOPLE I have in mind one leader summoned for interacting with his people
Also if the police stay away from us, we shall have the opportunity to challenge you
Very nice ECL, keep it up!
Otherwise no comment on comments from perpertual losers.
And when are we sorting out Mmembe and his cartel team please? I hope there are no reconciliation deals behind the silence, the worst mistake any politician aspiring for office or renewal of office can make at this point in time.
I thought Kafwaya was PF!
@Chief cadre
Do not worry about Mmembe and the Cartel. They are done this time. Attempts to trap government again by attempted reconciliation, has been dismissed with contempt.
Wait for tribunal ruling, then you will see that the country has changed and is heading in certain direction. No looking back. All institutions, parliament, judiciary and police are agreed that dirty is over and not willing to be reminded about it. You see Mmembe and Winter are the most hated people today and are surprised at the turn of events. RB told everyone that Mmembe had divided the country and it was time to deal with him and it is being done. No looking back
NWP has since 2001 been voting for Upnd and what has the province benefited from Upnd. This is a province with people who lack foresight and don’t really know exactly what they want.
2016 elections is near and still they will vote for Upnd. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results.
Be informed in advance that even 2016elections HH will lose so plan your votes wisely.
This is where some people get it wrong. Why should an active government withdraw development because of who you vote for? people should have a choice otherwise we may as well go back to the one party state. If the people of Lusaka voted UPND, would the government move the capital city to another province because of that?
Be serious. Talk about your own failure.
I missed out on the crates and empties
I declare, whoever loves or likes insulting, let his SAUL rest in peace under 6 ft. Some times we should learn just to discuss issues as they unveil, not starting to insult one another. If you were to think about it, what good do you benefit from hauling insults on people who you do not even know? Being good and presenting your own point of view is always better for you are more dignified than marely insulting accross the bard.
I declare, whoever loves or likes insulting, let his SAUL rest in peace under 6 ft. Some times we should learn just to discuss issues as they unveil, not starting to insult one another. If you were to think about it, what good do you benefit from hauling insults on people who you do not even know? Being good and presenting your own point of view is always better for you are more dignified than marely insulting accross the board.