Government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with traditional leaders, as key partners in national development, governance and national unity.
Minister of Information and Media who is also Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says traditional leaders remain critical stakeholders in helping government engage citizens, promote peace and advance inclusive development across the country.
The Minister has emphasised that the government recognises that leading the country is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration with traditional leaders, the church, civil society organisations and other non-state actors who complement government efforts, especially in communities where the state has limited reach.
The media reports that Mr Mweetwa was speaking when Senior Chief Puta of the Bwile people of Chiengi district in Luapula province paid a courtesy call on him.
He described the visit as a symbol of the collective role that traditional leaders have towards supporting national governance and development efforts.
The Minister stressed that chiefs are unifying figures who transcend political cycles and play a vital role in guiding communities, preserving peace and promoting national cohesion.
Mr Mweetwa also appealed to traditional leaders to help the government explain recent constitutional amendments under the recently enacted Act Number 7 of 2025, of the Constitution of Zambia, noting that the reforms are aimed at strengthening inclusivity and representation, not personal or political interests.
And Senior Chief Puta added that development should never be driven by tribalism or political differences but should benefit all Zambians equally.
The traditional leader further called on his fellow chiefs to work closely with the government, stressing that the traditional leadership must remain nonpartisan and focused on development.
Chief Puta also warned against the politicisation of key development programmes such as the free education and the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) empowerment, which he said is visibly improving livelihoods in rural areas
The traditional leader said free education has removed one of the biggest barriers that previously forced many children, especially girls out of school due to lack of financial resources.
Chief Puta further appealed for increased CDF allocations, citing rising population pressure and growing development needs in constituencies.
Seriously speaking, does the government need a Chief Government Spokesman?
They already have DeadNBC, ZANIS, Zambia Daily Noise… Sorry Mail, Times of Zambia. Yaba! What a monopoly in a democracy! Which organisation has so many media in Zambia? None!
And Democrat(sorry… once Democrat) HH thinks this is perfectly normal? And when you look at their manifestos none of our parties want to say anything about protection of freedom of speech. Politicians in Africa love to control their citizens mouths. They can’t separate between leading and ruling
“Puppet on a string” by Sandy shaw