Stakeholders in Lusaka have hailed the Presidential speech on the Progress made on Upholding National Values and Principles.
President Hakainde Hichilema today addressed the nation where he touched on several issues among them patriotism and national unity.
And reacting to the speech, former Ambassador to Libya, Mulondwe Muzungu said a nation without morals is ‘dead’ hence the need for the people to adhere and abide by them.
Mr Muzungu, who also doubles as a former Cabinet Minister in United National Independent Party (UNIP) and Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) administrations, implored the Zambian people to rally behind and support the Head of State in his quest to guide the nation to live morally and an upright life.
He told the media in an interview that accountability, transparency and integrity are some of the pillars of patriotism.
And United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director Mark Simuuwe said the government is evenly distributing public resources to all parts of the country without segregation and discrimination.
Mr Simuuwe implored the youths to take advantage of the empowerment packages that government is offering such as Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and Cash for Work among others.
UPND Mongu Central Member of Parliament Oliver Amutike attested that there is dignity and the livelihood of the people is now improved because citizens are abiding to the values and principles.
And Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa called for hard work among the Zambians adding that no one will develop the country but Zambians themselves.
Southern Province Minister Credo Nanjuwa appreciated the government’s posture, stance and political will to fight corruption as evidenced by the various efforts and the enactment of pieces’ legislation aimed at promoting transparency.
Mr Nanjuwa, who is Mumbwa Member of Parliament, vowed to eradicate the vice in the region.
“Government’s stance on corruption is zero-tolerance. The fight for perpetrators of corruption sends a clear message. If you take what is not yours and you break the law, you’re on your own. I will fight tooth and nail to end corruption in my area,” he said.
The Minister said corruption derails development if the vice is left unchecked and people who ‘embezzle public resources’ should be held accountable for mismanagement of funds.
Meanwhile, Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) Commission Vice Chairman Sibote Sibote repeated the President’s call for peace ahead of the August general elections.
The Vice Chairman said Zambia is known as a beacon of peace which other countries in Southern Africa emulate.
The speech by the Head of State emphasises that achieving national prosperity is a collective effort, requiring the participation of all citizens and that Zambia has taken concrete steps to enhance transparency, enforce anti-corruption measures, while government institutions strengthen and foster an enabling environment for growth.
