HH Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Constitutional Reforms
President Hakainde Hichilema has once again affirmed his unwavering dedication to an inclusive and participatory constitutional reform process, delivering a heartfelt message during an interdenominational youth fellowship service in Lusaka. Accompanied by First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, the President joined worshippers in song lifting voices in one of his cherished hymns before sharing reflections that wove faith, national unity, and civic responsibility into a tapestry of hope for Zambia’s future.
Though his central audience was the nation’s youth, the President’s words resonated far beyond age brackets, striking a chord with all who believe in transparent governance and collective nation-building. His commitment to openness in shaping Zambia’s constitutional future was echoed and amplified by church leaders present, who saw in his leadership a rare and welcome posture of humility and listening.
Southern Zambia Union Conference President Dr. Vanny Mwimwe, addressing the congregation, praised the President’s handling of the reform process: “He has chosen not to close the door, but to open it wide.” Dr. Mwimwe emphasized that the current trajectorymarked by dialogue over defensiveness, consultation over confrontation, and unity over division embodies a genuine commitment to a people-driven constitutional journey. He reminded the gathering that inclusivity must not be a hollow slogan but a lived principle, and he appealed to both leaders and citizens to protect that spirit.
Turning directly to the young, President Hichilema offered counsel rooted in personal experience and spiritual grounding. He urged students to remain steadfast in their studies, reminding them that clarity often emerges not in grand revelations but through consistent effort. “Your focus now must be to do that which you are engaged in and do it to the best of your abilities,” he said, adding that dedication, paired with prayer, quietly charts a path even when the destination isn’t yet visible. “There is joy in hard work,” he affirmed a simple truth offered as both encouragement and wisdom.
In a significant policy note, the President explained the government’s strategic shift in viewing education not merely as a social service but as a vital economic sector. This repositioning, he said, stems from Cabinet’s vision to attract broader investment, increase resource allocation, and ultimately strengthen educational outcomes—bolstered by the implementation of free education. Calling education “the best equaliser,” he described it as the most enduring inheritance a nation can bestow upon its youth, enabling them to chase dreams once thought out of reach.
With characteristic warmth, the President also spoke to young people navigating relationships and considering marriage. Drawing from his own early days with the First Lady, he reflected that what anchored their union wasn’t wealth or status, but shared intention, mutual potential, hard work, and prayer. These, he proposed, form the true bedrock of lasting partnerships.
Ever responsive to grassroots initiatives, the President heeded a request from event organizers seeking support for a youth-led farming project in Shibuyunji. Without hesitation, he pledged K200,000 to help launch the endeavor—another testament to his belief in empowering young Zambians to build both livelihoods and communities.
Dr. Mwimwe, in his continued remarks, called on the nation to seek divine guidance as the constitutional process unfolds. He cautioned against narrow interpretations of “people-driven,” urging stakeholders to embrace a definition expansive enough to include voices from every corner of society. Having been among the 25 individuals tapped for specific consultative roles, he emphasized the moral imperative to ensure no one is left behind in shaping Zambia’s foundational document.
The service’s sermon, delivered by Pastor Evans Manjumela, centered on unity and service as expressions of faith. He challenged the youth to see their shared commitment to Christ as a unifying force that transcends tribal, political, or denominational lines. “A common destiny awaits us,” he proclaimed, “but only if we choose to walk toward it together.” He led the congregation in fervent prayer for national unity a fitting close to an event steeped in both spiritual depth and civic purpose.
Held at the Government Complex under the resonant theme “Together in Christ, United in Purpose,” the fellowship drew youths, church leaders, and congregants from a rich mosaic of denominations. It was more than a gathering; it was a gentle yet powerful reminder that Zambia’s future rests not only in policy and process, but in the hearts of those willing to work, pray, and listen to one another and to the still, small voice that calls a nation toward its highest self.
Any constitutional reforms MUST be taken to Zambian voters for approval thru a referendum -that’s the utmost inclusivity.
This is the moment for incumbents to model reflective listening truly hearing the people rather than just appealing to emotion or the motion. Leadership that listens demonstrates care, especially in uncertain times. I appreciate President Hichilema’s emphasis on openness, inclusivity, and youth driven dialogue in the constitutional reform process. Let’s keep the conversation inclusive, transparent, and people centered proof that democracy is not just a slogan but a lived practice of “I hear you, you hear me.”
Well we are waiting as common citizens to see
This is the moment for incumbents to model reflective listening truly hearing the people rather than just appealing to emotion or the motion. Leadership that listens demonstrates care, especially in uncertain times. Emphasis on openness, inclusivity, and youth driven dialogue in the constitutional reform process. Let’s keep the conversation inclusive, transparent, and people-centered proof that democracy is not just a slogan but a lived practice of “I hear you, you hear me.”
Let’s tackle loadshedding first. These other issues like the constitution can be looked at later
All good things come and become sustainable because when clear and consistent rules and regulations are in place. In other words a good constitution must be put in place. What hh is doing is in the best interest of the nation and should be supported by well meaning citizens. The buffoons also understand that hh is doing his best, but because of their hatred , jealous and tribal indexed thoughts against hh they continued opposing whatever he does
I agree with you fully He is still on an investment drive whilst loadshedding is at it’s worst and us the people must suffer whilst he and his clan have never had a sigle hour without power
until everybody is in the same boat I say bye bye
All good things come and become sustainable because of clear and consistent rules and regulations are put in place. In other words a good constitution must be put in place for all sectors in the country including energy to operate well.What hh is doing is in the best interest of the nation and should be supported by well meaning citizens. The buffoons also understand that hh is doing his best, but because of their hatred , jealous and tribal indexed thoughts against hh they continued opposing whatever he does
Let’s be brutally honest with him that he should never ever have said those things he said at the Press conference that he is hated because of where he comes from, I take it that the literal meaning is that he is hated because he is Tonga. Tongas are very good people so why should him alone be hated. His statement has the potential to incite gullible people from where he hails from. Please stop it. This is playing with fire
But it is true , many hate him because he’s a Tonga . I also have met people who don’t like our great tribe Tumbukas.
There will always be tribalists and racial supremacists no matter what you say or do.
The process of constitutional amendment has been going on for a long time now. Forums across the country have been held, and people have submitted their views. All the chiefs — including the Litunga — convened in Lusaka. LAZ and Oasis were present and were given the platform to state what they want to see included and what they object to.
Ninety-five percent of the submissions are in order, yet now this useless Oasis Forum and a few paid voices want the whole country to start the process all over again. Yesterday and today they were asked to specify exactly what they object to and to propose corrections. Their only answer: “Start all over.”
They’re behaving like children. We will leave them crying — we are amending this thing, with or without them.
Not exactly neutral journalism. I wish my girlfriend thought of me like this journalist thinks of HH.