United Party for National Development (UPND) yesterday shunned Labour Day celebrations in Lusaka. Among the political parties that participated in the celebrations was the ruling Patriotic Front, Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), National Restoration Party (NAREP), UNIP, New Revolution Party (NRP) and the Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM).
However, despite UPND shunning the national celebrations, several parastatals and private companies added colour to the event, which was graced by President Edgar Lungu as they took part in the match past that lasted for more than two hours.
PF secretary general Davies Chama said the party would not politicise such national events, but would continue praying for the opposition leaders so that they, in future, could consider attending national events.
NRP leader Cosmo Mumba said it was unfortunate that some political parties decided not to attend the national event despite being invited.
Dr Mumba said it was high time that political parties in Zambia realised that such events were not for any political party, but were national events that required everyone’s participation.
He appealed to the opposition parties to take such national events seriously.
However, despite the absence of UPND at the event, its president Hakainde Hichilema thanked the people of Zambia for their continued hard work and contribution to the country’s economy.
Mr Hichilema said in his statement that the International Labour Day was a time “to celebrate and give thanks to all those who work tirelessly to make this nation great and provide for their families.”
He said all labour that uplifted humanity had dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.
Mr Hichilema said he personally held the values of hard work and dedication close to his heart because it was only through such that true success was possible and could bring an end to poverty and inequality in the country.
He said times were tough for Zambian workers and there was urgent need to tackle unemployment head-on so as not to let a whole generation down.
“As president of the UPND, I am fully committed to empowering Zambians and this means creating an economic environment for more jobs, providing greater protection of workers’ rights, reforming education,” Mr Hichilema said.
Mr Hichilema thanked the workers for their hard work to provide the country with food, water, power, roads, healthcare and education.
Instead of focussing on what Labour day is all about some people are already focussing on who did not attend the event. When are you going to grow up kanshi?
UPND ARE LAZY BUMS. THEY DON’T WORK. ATI THEY WILL WORK WHEN THEIR “god” GETS INTO POWER. THEY ALWAYS DON’T CELEBRATE LABOR DAY COZ THEY ARE NO PART OF WORKERS IN ZAMBIA. LET THEM SHUN IT, OTHERWISE WHAT CONTRIBUTION DO THEY MAKE TO THIS COUNTRY? ALWAYS COMPLAINING AND NOT WORKING. ATI ‘HH WILL JUST GO TO STATE HOUSE AND START PUTTING FOOD ON THEIR FAMILY TABLES FOR THEIR BIG POT BELLIES’. SLUMBERING DREAMERS!!! STAY AWAY FROM LABOR DAY-WHO CARES???????? U DONT EVEN WORK!!!
AH. ITS OKAY. I THINK IT DOESN’T MATTER WHO ATTENDS OR NOT. LONG AS COMPANIES/ORGANIZATIONS ARE REPRESENTED BY THEIR WORKERS REGARDLESS WHAT POLITICAL PARTY THEY BELONG TO. UPND IS A POLITICAL PARTY, NOT A COMPANY, YES? BESIDES, NOT ALL COMPANIES MANAGED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE CELEBRATIONS. SO FROM MY POINT OF VIEW NOT A BIG DEAL
As if PF under Sata during opposition time, did attend to one of the events. Kikikiki Pa Zambia awe mwe
Why was the Drunkard taking a selfie of himself? Has he stolen all the money and now he cannot afford a photographer?
Remember Youth Day celebration. UPND were beaten mercilessly by PF thugs. A young lady was stripped completely naked in full view of police. No arrests have been made. Do you in your right mind think it is wise for UPND to risk lives of its members? Edgar has clearly failed to to provide leadership
That was the poorest and lowest attended labor day.
This chi useless Tonga idio.tic party (unpd) is rubbish and very irrelevant to Zambia. No wonder its a party for Tongas only. What a use.less tribal group. Mwanya u will be kolopad again in August. The only thing these *****s know is complaining like fuz
Upnd is the most useless southern province party for Tongas only. Non Tongas plus enlightend Tongas fintu ni Lungu come August.
imwe naimwe, this labour day marching is from the colonial era when the slave masters and colonialists would tell their slaves and subjects to perform before them as entertainment similar to how the conquering infantries marched. they ridiculed the african because he did not march as the white soldiers did and so this was fun for the slave masters. they laughed while sat in nice shaded areas sipping on lemonade while the slaves marched. And sadly because we dont know our history, we still do this to our fellow african brothers and sister, sure imwe even the blind marching. Fyabupuba sana ifi tuchita. we should change. independence when you still follow the whites. Up to date matibini is still wearing that nasty wig in parliament ati he is the speaker. damn white traditions and he is a Dr,…
Have you already forgotten what happened on youth day? The UPND youth were being attacked and beaten in full view of the police.
Could that not be the reason for shunning?
They initiated it and cried louded when their tried to defend themselves
where UPND is concerned people have shallow minds. They have not turned up because they do not wish to be attacked and stripped like on youth day; PLUS IT IS NOT POLITICAL PARTY DAY BUT LABOUR DAY. SO THAT SHOULD MAKE SOME PEOPLE THINK INSTEAD OF CRITICISING.
@ROka, what language is that?
Why even concentrate on UPND not attending and leave out FDD for example? Of the 30 plus registered parties only 6 are mentioned as having participated. Does it mean its only UPND in attendance that gives credence to national functions? For all I care I have to have self conviction on why I have to attend a function thats why invitations have RSVP. Moreover national functions should be above petty party politics thus all leaders of political parties should be acknowledged for their role in the democratic process by being accorded sitting space on the dais behind the national president!
UPND did well not to attend, because when they attend, their cadres are beaten and stripped naked. And with No arrests. The pf cadres who stripped the lady from upnd on youth day are still at large.
Great comment @ Mary Zulu very well summed up.
UPND ARE LAZY BUMS. THEY DON’T WORK. ATI THEY WILL WORK WHEN THEIR “god” GETS INTO POWER. THEY ALWAYS DON’T CELEBRATE LABOR DAY COZ THEY ARE NO PART OF WORKERS IN ZAMBIA. LET THEM SHUN IT, OTHERWISE WHAT CONTRIBUTION DO THEY MAKE TO THIS COUNTRY? ALWAYS COMPLAINING AND NOT WORKING. ATI ‘HH WILL JUST GO TO STATE HOUSE AND START PUTTING FOOD ON THEIR FAMILY TABLES FOR THEIR BIG POT BELLIES’. SLUMBERING DREAMERS!!! STAY AWAY FROM LABOR DAY-WHO CARES???????? U DONT EVEN WORK!!!
Dull chaps, participating for such events is voluntary and not mandatory, that is why is not in the constitution. Equally the majority of companies did not attend, and some chap wants to single out some political party
Damn dude your dull
Shut the f up dingi! Your kind has held the country back for half a century.
You wanted to maim and strip them naked? By the way it was a day for the workers and not a day for political parties to flex their muscles, salute to upnd leadership for that timely intervention and avoiding a repeat of what happened on youth day. HH being a hard working man, he is in namwala putting his hands to good use at his farms, that’s how he is celebrating his Labour day, am also at my farm having fun.
FOCUS ON THE DAY AND NOT THE REGISTER OF ATTENDANTS. WAKE UP FOR ONCE. YOU THINK IF UPND ATTENDS MEALIE MEAL PRICES WILL COME DOWN. NO. YOU ALREADY MESSED UP THINGS GUYS. MMD ONLY 5 YEARS AGO LEFT MEALIE MEAL AT K30. AND YOU WANT PEOPLE TO MARCH.
Ummmm, I think God will answer their prayers and they will attend next year. Wonder why God did not remind them of what violence they perpetuated on labour day? The Christians that call on God(in mockery) for everything…….
For upAndOWN it is not strange thinks he is above everyone shame moron Indeed national events are national partizan every government is bad for this moron what type of leadership is this
@Roka you are a frog brained twit. Have you already forgotten what happened to UPND youths during the youth day commemorations in full view of the Police?Get on with youe meaningless marching and leave UPND out of your gar.bage.
Where were you on youth day? Were you asleep somewhere?
Labour day is not a political event please. Don’t blame political parties that did not attend. Which schools did you go to? No wonder you are struggling to find grade 12s to feature in the upcoming elections. Just audit and see which companies did not attend, not political parties.
Rightly put, no legal requirement to attend. FOR CLARITY, not mandatory but voluntary
It not legality but patriotism. Some events call maturity. As a nation we have always celebrated labour day to honour the workers. Not throwing temper tantrums and not showing up.
Its workers day iwe not a political event.For once watch CNN,SABC or BBC and see how it is themed in other countries.Get out of your myopic and parochial view of issues.Nothing to do with patriotism.
But PF has a problem.You fail to guarantee the safety of participants like what happened on Youth Day the complain when they shun national events.Ubukopo walichilamo mu PF.
Who said if you don’t attend Labour day you are not patriotic. In U.S. where there is the highest patriotism, it is not measured by attendance or lack of attendance at out dated events like Labour day.
You know in the US the system is ant labour right? And you comparing apples and guavas. The labour movement was born out of socialist societies not capitalist. Labour unions are natural enemies of the US capitalist system. We rely on labour more than the US does as a percentage of the economy
UPND has no numbers in Lusaka and CB so they feared being out numbered, kikikikiki!!BUT WHY FEAR WHEN HUMBLE AND GOD FEARING EDGAR LUNGU WAS THERE?NOTHING COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO THEM IF THEY ATTENDED.ANYWAY,WHO CARE ABOUT UPND?NOBODY,SO THEY CAN HUNG!!OURS IS MIGHTY PF AND WE SAY”IFINTU NI LUNGU-2016!!”WE CANT WAIT TO VOTE FOR PF USING NEGA NEGA FORMULA!!GO PF GO!!
The fact that you noticed their absence and have voiced it out exposes you as a frightened little twat.Watch the videos of people in Luanshya lamenting about the excruciating poverty and you will realise then that PF will be dumped in the rubbish bin of history forever.
The reason UPND were attacked ku Youth day was coz they outnumbered your dull party you dull twat.
@Zambia Youth, why do you take things so personal? Your posts are filled with hateful responses, ever heard of netiquette?
Me I was home yesterday cleaning my yard and did not go to Labour day celebrations, does it mean I am not patriotic.Then it means the whole city of Lusaka of 4 million people are not patriotic, only the 1000 people who went there to watch are patriotic. It’s pathetic. So patriotism is only for political parties ha ha ha
labour day was never mrant for poitical parties. even under kk, unip as a party never uswd to marcth
UPDN and HH do not have their own ideas. Look at the names and symbols which HH uses. African Obama, Mosses wa nomba, kachema, nkana’s. Look at UPND regalia they got it from Julious malema. To them because sata did that they feel that’s the way to state house. Look at another false inspiration from them they will win in August the way sata also won from RB. Are they saying HH will also die the way mwanawasa and sata died if he won elections? open your eyes and be your selves because each day has its own rains
You are super DULL. Your are incoherent in your grammar and nothing of what you are trying to communicate is making sense.I am 100% sure you dont have a Grade 12 certificate and if you do,it should be a Division 4 with 42 points.
Attend only independence day, these others are just waste of time. What is there for the worker, what is there for a youth, What is there for the women. And you should work up early at I have gone for Labour day ala
We feared to be hacked. The horror movie that was Youth Day is still fresh on our minds. And we did not want to embarrass the president by being hacked right before his eyes while he remained seated, helplessly in fear for his dear life as did her honour the vice-president during youth day hackings
Either focus on Labour day or UPND, and not HH. Go and arrest HH again for not attending Labour party.You want to go and strip his people again, little devils with No spines. He ATTENDS he is attacked, he does not ATTEND, he is condemned. Finshi mufwaya
@Kelvin zulu boi walabako something. Tell them that Finshi mufwaya kashi misula yenu.
Being beaten in full view of the police is the reason why UPND did not attend the labour day ceremony. They are not fools.
Comment: You Will Do Fine To Report What Lungu Said And Not What H H Said Cause , He Was Never There.
Rubbish labour day shocking. All those from political parties that are attended are jobless matching for what celebrating joblessness kwakwaki lol
Its okay; who knows what could have happened if he attended. On the second thought, I think their leader was represented by the hard working matchers who belong to his party on the day. If he stayed away, leave him alone. Who knows what he is planning.
What is there for UPND to celebrate anyway? Lungu campaigns freely but UPNP is not allowed to campaign. but now you need them for the labour day. Let the labours celebrate because it is for labourers. Magufuli would have these kind of celebrations and give money to the workers.
UPND HAVE RESOANS TO EVERUTHING …ANYHOW ITS #ECL IN THE DRIVING SEAT
Zambians must learn a lesson from this and never again should they ever repeat the mistake of voting into Presidential office an illiterate. PF has kept Zambia backwards because most of it’s officials are illiterates or I’ll educated. Education must be allowed to serve it’s purpose in society. It was created for a reason.
We did not have money to buy uniforms for cadres.
What is there for a Zambian worker to celebrate? With high cost of living and unemployment what is there to celebrate? Nothing. If these so called workers day celebrations were not political why mention UPND? Nawakwi’s FDD was not there but is not mentioned. Is it becoz Edith is rumoured to be ECL’s Presidential Running Mate? In any case why would UPND attend when their youth were attacked by PF youths right under the watch of the PF Police? Up to now no PF youths have been arrested by the Police for the assaults. Clear selective application of law!
So what if UPND didn’t attend? Were you going to give them a platform to roll out their labour policies? Or maybe you wanted to harass them as was the case on Youth day. You must really thank God that indeed God raises leaders who fear him in this country. Did you see what Julius Malema was telling Zuma? You shouldn’t and should never under estimate the power and influence that HH has should he go the #Juju way. We can retaliate with arms if the boss said ‘yes’ cause you have rediculed and harassed us for far too long now.
All in all, smart move to stay away. We shall meet in the political arena (campaigns).
FDD were not there, only five of Nevers Mumba’s relatives showed up, Kaunda’s son TJ & his friend Njekwa Anamela never pitched, so what opposition parties are you talking about? Instead talk about the SA & chinese companies (the only ones benefiting from the chaos in the economy) who ignored Chakolwa Samalama’s dancing in the middle of hunger. Tell us why he’s failing to print payslips.
Most UPND supporters malofwa who don’t want to work hard like others who go to look for jobs or start their own projects or business. In short they are still waiting for the messiah in HH to come and give them jobs. The question is when? 2061 maybe….lol
You only look intelligent.
The words and picture don’t match. Looks do really deceive or maybe its someone else’s photo.
Continue to mock God, He will answer!
Could Mr. President address the plight of retirees its impossible to get our little dues sometimes we go as much as six months with nothing coming in
You enslaving wicked proud Jericho Wall of cozenage, mystification, mesmerism, inveiglement, chicanery, cleverness, deceitfulness, conjuration, repression, trickery, false representation, seduction, wheedling, snow job, manipulation, shenanigan, slander, shiftiness, conjuration, beguilement, craftiness, hatchet job, enchantment, façade, tribal sentiment whipping, calculated deception, dishonesty, fakery, contrivance, mudslinging, perfidy, dupery, underhandedness, racketeering, deviousness, dirty politics, confusion, violence, machination, confidence trick (conman), sanctimoniousness, dirty pool, corruption, improbity, beguilement, evasiveness, negative campaign, skullduggery, muckraking, gambit, hypocrisy, intrigue, slander, mendacity, snake tongue; breakdown, somersault and implode into…
…….., mendacity, snake tongue; breakdown, somersault and implode into smithereens and nothingness.
You wicked Jericho Wall, representing the devil, God has judged you and the hosts of heaven attack you to your eternal destruction. Loose Zambia and let it go to its God’s ordained destiny of peace, prosperity, shalom and greatness!!
Saints……shout SEVEN Jericho Wall shuttering Alleluias….believe God for the destruction of the proud satanic Jericho Wall!
Comment:I can’t remember the PF attending any government function when they were in the opposition.
Another dunder head has posted something about us waiting for HH to give us jobs. What is wrong with waiting for HH to give us jobs. We will be contravening which law? Think before you post. Don’t feel lazy to think
I don’t remember Sata attending any National event when he was in opposition. UPND tried to attend the Youth Day celebrations and their cadres where maimed, so why do you want a repeat of that again? Icibemba citila Mwikala patalala mwine apatalalika. I think they did well not to attend.
Who told you that this is late Sata’s PF? Learn to move with the times. Late Sata formed PF and he passed on. Edgar is in charge now and has his own way of looking at things. Attend these functions as Zambians, not as members of political parties. You will be maimed if you go to these functions and start insulting the Republican President.
Wise move UPND. It’s too dangerous attending functions like this with lots of violent cadres whom the president is unwilling to control.
These labour things are not about UPND late Sata never attended these before he came into power, PF cadres attack UPND cadres so better to stay away to avoid trouble.
Poor Bantustan party . Lean to be partiriotic. .
So that they get attacked, where were you when they were attacked during youth day? Just posting here instead of going there to protect them since you think its important for them to risk their lives for labour day. Advise your fellow cadres to stop being violent instead of asking people to risk their lives in exchange for patriotism.
Thank you UPND for not attending the event to avoid what happened during youth day as Police are not there to protect you.
Moreover it was a day for workers not a political party.
This was the worst labour day i have witnessed in my district.Workers are realy fed up with this government.
International Workers’ Day also known as simply Labour Day is not about UPND or HH, it is a celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the International Labour movement, socialists, communists and anarchists and occurs every year on May Day. The theme this year I think is “Celebrating the international labour movement”, it is not about UPND or HH. The day is aimed at paying tributes to workers’ sacrifices in achieving economic and social rights all over the world. It is not about UPND or HH. Workforce is extremely significant for the socio-economic development of any country. Workers are therefore a special group making significant contributions towards Zambia. In this respect, the aim of the Government should be to remain committed to the goal of achieving…
continued……. In this respect, the aim of the Government should be to remain committed to the goal of achieving growth, economic expansion, job creation and higher standard of living for the all workers and their families. It not about UPND or HH.
I agree with you Labour day is for workers not political parties. UPND gave a message of solidarity to the workers through HH , read it in this article, very inspiring, giving hope, no politicking, compare it to ECLs and honestly decide who gives hope. Nevers was there what platform was he given to air his and MMDs vision for the workers, ZILCH. Nawakwi used another platform urging workers to work hard not waste time on face book andwhatsup, does she need to go and parade?
Another dunderhead believes patriotism is attending Labour day. Most of these chaps wanting upnd to attend Labour day did not attend Labour themselves in their individual capacities. When upnd attended youth day, they were patriotic now that they have not attended Labour day they are not patriotic.What dullness is this
Good move. It was not a political gathering nor national but worldwide….workers rights are not there in Zambia nothing yo celebrate bafukala ba Pfollos.
I wonder sometimes if PF leaders are normal. When the opposition specifically UPND attend these functions they are attacked as happened during youth day with our police doing nothing about it and the vice president turning a blind eye. When they don’t attend ati we are praying for them. Lets be serious. Why risk being physically harmed for some ka celebration. Sata also used to stay away.
Mwebantu – They were beaten because they went and started insulting the president. Why do you conveniently leave out the catalyst to the chaos that ensued.
So it makes it right? Why didn’t the police arrest and charge everyone defaming the president accordingly. Are you saying our laws don’t matter anymore? And if what you say is accurate, we why didn’t pf police take this up?
Am surprised that zesco workers are in blue. What happened to their corporate colors? This ‘small’ oversight is a manifestation of the chaotic way the company is run. You can not drain all the water in the Kariba dam and remain working as management, the top brass should have resigned in protest. To me, this would depict patriotism and not failing to turn up at a Labour day March past.
Just diabolical behaviour. Labour day is a Patriots day to praise those that service us. Why bother running for President of Zambia? Weird!
How do you praise them? By going to march or giving them an a than-you message and inspirational words like HH does in this article? Or like Edith advising people to work hard not waste time gossiping on facebook and whatsup. What significant message did ECL give apart from grandstanding by ringing a toll free number to the ministry of labour to complain about his conditions of service for not being given time to rest. Where was HH? At his farm, using his hands to encourage his workers. What does ECL do in the little spare time he gets??
well done UPND..they just wnated to undress all the ladies now..PF is fully iof thugs..