Former Vice President, Enock Kavindele has backed the current law which restricts Former Presidents and Vice Presidents from participating in active politics noting that former Heads of State should play a statesman role.
Mr Kavindele said this when he made his submission on the Benefits of Former Presidents and Former Vice Presidents Bill of 2026, to the Parliamentary Committee on Cabinet Affairs, in Lusaka.
He has also submitted that houses for former Presidents and Vice Presidents should be constructed in a central place and owned by the government.
Mr Kavindele added that government can maintain ownership once the former leaders and spouses die or when their children are all past the age of 21.
He has noted that former leaders should, however, be supported with transport and finances to enable them manage utility bills.
“I support the recommendation to provide transport and a driver for former Vice Presidents. I believe from the 50 percent salaries, they should be able to pay for their own fuel,” he said.
And Former Vice President, Nevers Mumba has commended the government for introducing the Bill, stating that it demonstrates a commitment to dignity, order and recognition of national service.
He has, however, argued that the withdrawal of benefits due to political participation goes against individual democratic rights.
Dr Mumba has also expressed concern with the differentiation between Vice Presidents, based on timing of service calling for the standardization of benefits across same office holders.
“The opportunity before Parliament is not merely to pass this bill but to refine it into a framework that is fair, clear, durable and reflective of Zambia’s constitutional and social realities,”Dr Mumba indicated
“a commitment to dignity, order and recognition of national service” So this commitment to dignity can only be shown by aggrandizing politicians?. Those selfish noisemakers who do nothing for 5 years but still get our taxmoney from treasury? Why not make such a commitment to outstanding athletes like Samuel Matete, the only World Champion Zambia has produced? Or to a professional who comes up with solutions to our eternal problems such as Malaria, homelessness, loadshedding etc. Certainly better than glorifying political thieving.
I agree. I think the nation needs to honour people who lessen our problems not politicians who increase them.
Why give a house to a politician? Give it to Kalusha Bwalya and Charles Musonda because they made us forget our problems when he scored against Italy.
If a scientist comes up with a solution to flooding in Lusaka reward him. Not politicians. Mumba just wants the benefits for himself
Crazy idea we suffer and they recieve benifits for that ??
If anything let the people decide
well what about former special advisors to the two offices give them 15% salary of the incumbent and a small car…also lets include secretary to cabinet, solicitor general, treasury counsel, dpp, attorney generals, chief parliamentary draft persons and even former CEO of parastatals give a percentage say 10% this is integrity of the highest order after all Ex Ministers enjoy state funerals…and now it has been selectively extended to privileged children…let us cover all people that contributed to the country…