According to the media, the chief said Mundubile’s performance during the previous Patriotic Front (PF) administration could not be compared to the achievements recorded by President Hakainde Hichilema’s government within a shorter period.
“What new things will Mundubile bring?” Chief Mpezeni asked. “He has been in Government before and during their time, children were sitting on the floor in schools.”
Mundubile, the PF Member of Parliament for Mporokoso, is seeking the presidency in the upcoming general elections.
Chief Mpezeni said the opposition was offering little, noting that many development initiatives were already being implemented through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
“I have nothing to do with the opposition. We are with President Hichilema now because he has worked,” the chief said.
He added that it would be difficult for the opposition to campaign against visible development projects. The traditional leader also urged the Tonse Alliance to consider promoting younger leaders into key positions rather than relying on individuals he said had previously failed to deliver.
In response, Mpundu downplayed the chief’s remarks, stating that traditional leaders typically work with the government of the day. He said the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) should not overstate the endorsement, arguing that such gestures are customary and may not reflect the broader views of the electorate.
Echoing similar sentiments, Chiengi Member of Parliament Given Katuta, who is contesting the presidency as an independent candidate, told Breeze FM that the chief’s endorsement of President Hichilema during this year’s Ncwala Ceremony would not affect the opposition’s chances in the 2026 elections.
Katuta said it would have been inappropriate for the traditional leader to criticise the Head of State during a ceremonial event, adding that the endorsement reflected protocol rather than political alignment.
He says it, IN YO FACE!You still find excuses! My Chief just told you, the people see the results! HH, unlike past presis is not bribing the chiefs, he has INVITED them into governance…there where THEY belong – its the african way!!! Nkosi, sewo talumbila??
The colonialists used chiefs to divide and riule…HH knows and recognizes OUR fathers! They belong to african governance -let’s go!!!
Can this chief shut up? He talks too much. As if he was elected.
He has been bribed. His subjects should know that.