Government’s Role Is to Create Wealth, Not Distribute Money – Mweetwa

Speaking on Phoenix FM, the Chief Government Spokesperson outlined measures undertaken by the administration of Hakainde Hichilema to ease household economic pressures.

Mweetwa cited free education as one of the most significant interventions, describing it as an “invisible subsidy” that allows families to retain money previously spent on school fees.

“Free education in itself reduces home economics because the money was supposed to go and pay for your daughter or son. You now are keeping that money. That is a form of invisible subsidy,” he said.

He also highlighted the school feeding programme, which he said has been rolled out across all 116 districts and has contributed to reduced absenteeism and improved examination performance.

The minister noted that during the recent drought, government expanded social cash transfer programmes and introduced cash-for-work initiatives nationwide, enabling broader segments of the population, including non-government workers, to receive financial support.

“When did you ever see ‘you are not a government worker, but you are getting paid from government?’ This is the first government [to do so],” Mweetwa said.

He added that previous access to public resources was often linked to corruption, but maintained that the current administration is focused on ensuring equitable benefits for citizens.

Mweetwa further stated that Zambia is approaching an economic breakthrough, pointing to new mining ventures in Northwestern Province and the Copperbelt Province, as well as ongoing geophysical mapping aimed at unlocking further mineral discoveries.

“With a predictable and attractive mining regulatory regime, Zambia is assured of better things to come,” he said.

He reiterated that government’s mandate is to create sustainable wealth for citizens, adding that the impact of current economic reforms would soon become evident.