President Hakainde Hichilema says his administration will initiate Constitutional amendments to deal with issues that are not clear. President Hichilema however stated that the main priority for his administration is to create jobs and business opportunities for Zambia.
He said Constitutional review process will be consultative and will not be handled like the Bill 10 process.
President Hichilema was speaking in Lusaka on Thursday when he met a group of senior citizens under the umbrella of Our Civic Duty Association (OCIDA), an organisation that promotes good governance and economic development for all and led by Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu.
“On the Electoral processes raised by the senior citizens, just like during our address to Parliament, our being in State House is largely due to the Youths out there who we are now calling as a ‘New generation of the Liberation Struggle’ and pioneers of their future,” President Hichilema wrote on Facebook.
“We have put in place expeditious plans for jobs, business opportunities, education and quality health care services for all and in a matter of time, this will be actualised. Under this score, we also stated that whilst in office, we will ensure an independent Electoral Body,” he said.
Meanwhile on matters related to the Country’s constitution as raised by the senior citizens, President Hichilema emphatically stated that this will be looked at and that issues that are not clear and eventually leading to a sitting Head of State going for a third term, will be amended to make it clear and strict that a sitting Head of State should only run as per the Constitution requirement and that’s two terms only.
“We also stated that under this exercise, we will ask you, the citizens on what should be contained in the Constitution and that we will not in any way go the direction of the past Bill 10. This will be a consultative exercise,” he said.
“However, we did underscore that top on our agenda is now job creation, business opportunities, education and quality health care services for all and paramount to these also is the lowering of the cost of living.”
President Hichilema stated that the corruption crusade is actually in effect and that there shall be no sacred cows.
“We also stated that the process to recover all stolen government assets is in motion and that sooner than later if not already, those involved in the plunder of public resources are and will be already crying victim. In recovering the stolen assets, we will need every hand and support. And once all these resources are recovered, our People will rejoice and we will channel all this stolen wealth to developing the Country for the betterment of all our citizens,” he said.
“However, we will not use a political hand in this fight against corruption but will instead allow institutions mandated to do so to pursue these crimes independently. We therefore call on all Zambians to support them by any means necessary. We also reiterated that those who will be found wanting will be taken through the set rules and laws and that no one should be arrested before investigations are done, and that when they are arrested if the cases will be bondable or bailable, this should be made available,” he said
He added, “We further expressed our hope that the Judiciary must expeditiously be dealing with these matters because we are in a hurry to develop the Nation but we will be methodical and systematic in the way we shall run the affairs of our Country.”
“During the meeting, we also stated that we are resolved to ensuring that national resources are distributed fairly, equitably and across the Country and that during our budget, we will ensure that decentralisation of resources is done and this will be superintendent upon by constituencies and officers to handle this will not be drawn from the National headquarters as that would be another source of corruption among others.”
President Hichilema reiterated that his administration is firmly committed to delivering the much desired change for all and in a matter of time, this will begin to be felt and indeed seen.
“We remain grateful to all of you Zambians out there for this opportunity you gave us and all your concerns are being methodically and systematically receiving the much-needed attention and we are optimistic that the benefits will at least be pleasing to all.”
I don’t support the idea of another Constitution Review Commission. I’d rather you just constitute a team that will look at what’s already there to come up with a document that we can debate. As for the plunder and corruption cases, I don’t have a problem with the arrest of those that abused their positions to deep fingers into the treasury. However I have difficulties with the blanket perception that all those that exploited Zambian natural resources like mukula are criminals. Any Zambian has the right to exploit our heritage as long appropriate taxes are paid
Yes job creation is a big issue, that is what we failed to do as PF and more sickening was to see our Vice President Given Lubinda on TV saying he does not know why we lost elections as PF. The man is still so disconnected to reality and was telling the presenter of how many univerisities and TV stations PF brought up, he was even saying it now takes little time to reach town from Chelstone, absolutely no clue that the issues in Zambia are bread and butter issues and jobs. PF will become extinct having such disconnected leaders. HH has this on his agenda and I hope he fulfills
The job issue is a big issue and I hope the Ministry of SMEs will fix this, I also watched the interview of the PF Vice President on TV and I must say it was a very disappointing one when it comes to PF having had hope of winning elections, the signs of PF loosing the elections were all over, it simply shows that PF was very disconnected with the ground, people like the former deputy speaker has been truthful that PF had stopped listening, and their Vice President says he is still in shock and has no idea what led to the loss. If UPND creates jobs we will keep them in power for ever, it is as simple is as that
You rejected bill 10 just because you thought Lungu was going to get a third term. Lungu is now gone . Can u now honestly and sincerely tell us what is wrong with Bill 10 . Be truthful Mr. President.
read it yourself
There has been a cry about low representation for Women. Bill 10 provided to deal with this. Bill 10provided for the Youth also. Bill 10 provided representation disabled as well. Just bring Bill 10 back to parliament and pass it. There was nothing wrong with it. You were just politicking then. Bally You have to be serious now.
How many Disabled persons have you nominated to Parliament?
How many women and youths have you nominated to parliament? You had claimed that the current constitution has provisions for increasing representation through nominating disa divantaged persons .
#1 Ayatollah
September 17, 2021 At 6:51 am
“……….Any Zambian has the right to exploit our heritage as long appropriate taxes are paid..”
Mining in game parks will pay taxes, ….is it right though ???
Those decimating our forests pay taxes …..is it right to leave nothing for future generations ???
Let’s be considerate for future generations and the countries environmental well being…..
Let the Constitution BREATHE. We now need principled individuals who will create a new culture of function and know what their lane is. We often have Ministers acting like shop floor operatives and some powerful technocrats behaving like they are policy drivers. This is what we need to mind — not another constitutional contortion.
There can be NO PEACE WITHOUT JUSTICE. You first make laws that protect the individual either at work or on the street. Our constitution has been misused because of loopholes within.
One thing though I thought jobs were already there and all it required was to dish them out? Now we’re talking about creation? I’m not a pessimist, but the way things are it’s going to take more than twenty years to create jobs for the current population of the unemployed people. Unless you take over the mines and revert to the ZCCM ways of employment because the foreign miner only employs for the core business and specific numbers according to their production targets. Time to tell the youth the truth is now.
In the first place do we have people who are learned (not educated). People who are learned find jobs but people are educated they are always crying
“….President Hichilema reiterated that his administration is firmly committed to delivering the much desired change for all and in a matter of time, this will begin to be felt and indeed seen…….”
This is what we mean………
HEHH understands and knows that in a well run organisaton or country things just fall in place and work out with the positive synergies driving the well being ………
That alone will be the starting point for a great future…….
That is what corrupt thieving wannabe dictators don’t understand……
I am sorry I do not like Bishops who hide their political ambitions under the umbrella of Our Civic Duty Association (OCIDA), an organisation that promotes good governance and economic development for all and led by Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu.
Job creation is paramount. I think it is what mostly sent the former ruling party packing
So his mind is now on twisting the constitution….I knew this was coming….don’t even think of changing the constitution to back any third or fourth terms…and am glad you’ve read the comments and removed your surgical gloves….how can you honestly be walking around with surgical gloves on
Saulosi you are a disaster to yourself. you are just a tribalist who will never repent. If you are not corrupt then you are not normal. So you were happy the way Lungu managed the affairs of the nation? You are a sadist to say the least.
Well spoken Mr President. Two attempts by corrupt Presidents so far have been made to mutilate our Constitution for a Third Term. Let us put it in BLACK and WHITE that there will NEVER and shall NEVER BE be a third term for any President. Definition of TERM OF OFFICE should be very precise and well protected not to be tempered with any how.
I am very happy those who made Third term attempts failed – may be the message now is clear to future Culprits.
#13 Saulosi
September 17, 2021 At 10:26 am
“So his mind is now on twisting the constitution….I knew this was coming….don’t even think of changing the constitution to back any third or fourth terms…and am glad you’ve read the comments and removed your surgical gloves….how can you honestly be walking around with surgical gloves on….”
HEHH doesn’t care about your silly comments from sour lemons still licking their wounds from the election mauling despite spending millions bribing voters…..
Now the threat of being poisoned by those driven away from tax payers money has diminished , the president feels comfortable not wearing gloves.
I know my fellow Youths are so expectant and tired of listening to stories but each time you speak you give me hope. Indeed we do not expect to pluck off fruits immediately after planting a fruit tree. May God bless you and guide you to actualise your Vision.
#11 Musa. Personally I think that former Bishop is an embarrassment to our church. I cannot remember any single Catholic Shepherd who has been heckled by His flock. There were demonstrations against this man and subsequently went into retirement.
Fine, but what we should be getting concerned with is why CHINA has started using their COPPER Reserves.
The knock on effects can be severe as the demand will certainly dwindle as a result Price Drops ,Dollar run away
#16 Jakaya These are big boy politics. When Lungu won the 2015 by-election, KCM and Mopani retrenched hundreds of miners. Now Mr Hakainde has won China decides to use the stock pile which means they may stop buying our copper for a while. It’s not a mystery. Just hope the West can fill up the gap left by the Chinese. Let’s wait and see.
#9.1 Good question.
Not sure why some chaps believe that archbishops should not take part in civic duties of the country. Your PF is extinct, burried and forgotten so stop attacking an innocent archbishop. HH will create jobs. The new vice President of PF Given does not even what the economic stats of Zambia were and what they are now. No clue that we nose dived a thousand fold under PF, strangely the guy says we were better off with PF, my foot. HH will create jobs and this will be a better Zambia
Talk is cheap HH… shows the document(s) where the vision; the blueprints; the strategy; plans of how jobs will be created. Will it be reviving the dead local manufacturing; will it be trades; agriculture; services; digital (replacing those ZAMTEL copper lines with fibre to all parts of the country)? And how will you generate the money? Through higher tax? or lower taxes so people take more home and so employers can create more jobs? Every Zambian needs to know the short and long term strategy and the vision so they can jump on board.
As for the Constitution, yes, just plug loopholes and this can be done by a committee of few experts… we don’t have to spend unnecessary amount of time and money on this.
And while you wait, please direct your MPs to move a motion in Parliament to…
By the way if you really want a proper digital transformation to revive the economy, invest in fibre broadband to every household. ZAMTEL already has copper running to all corners of the country, just replace them – dig and run them in the ground.
The mobile rationing of ‘talk time’ and ‘data’ by these mobile service providers who keep taking advantage of people won’t digitally transform the economy and is not sustainable beyond ‘Mobile Money’ and ‘WhatsApp’ services. You want something stable for people to hold unlimited hours of doing business on the Internet like doing Business Skype meetings and all.
…And while you wait, please direct your MPs to move a motion in Parliament to repeal the Public Order Act… you don’t need to wait any longer for this stone age, colonial repressive law. This is something you can tick off within a month or 2 and put in your pocket as an accomplishment. economy will take much longer to revive.
Yes we know you want to use the current powers to pay your masters first the name of jobs and then blame it on the constitution afterwards. Smart move but we are watching you all the way.
In the name of Jobs
For crying out loud, we have had so many constitutional review commissions and their findings are there for all to see. Why do we need to spend more money on yet another constitutional review?
I get the feeling this has to do with Zambia being declared a christian nation, changes to the penal code regarding gays and lesbians, etc.
First step was to abolish the ministry of national guidance and religious affairs. The church is completely quite. If it was ECL, all hell would have broken loose.
As for Telesphore mpundu, he is just a upnd cadre hiding behind an NGO, just like Macdonald Chipenzi.
As citizens, we should ask HH what exactly do they want to change in the constitution and why? After all, upnd opposed most efforts at constitutional reform when they were in opposition and called…
@6Spaka, I’ve extensively traveled across Zambia and I keep doing it. If there’s a trillion dollars worth of minerals in Lower Zambezi why not exploit it? The benefits outweigh whatever those SA Boer owners of lodges who are in fact illegally mining gold and diamonds on a small scale are doing. Have you ever wondered why all lodges and game ranches are owned by Boers that sell tourist packages in ZAR and US$ receipted in SA? Don’t fight other people’s battles out of ignorance