HH lays out plan and policy to empower Zambian youths, women and people with disabilities

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UPND president Hakainde Hichilema
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema

Opposition UPND president Hakainde Hichilema laid out an agenda and policy that will ensure his government starts by embarking on a five-year plan that will place emphasis on empowering Zambian youths, women and people with disabilities.

Addressing youth entrepreneurs from various parts of the country over the weekend, in Lusaka, Mr. Hichilema said as a businessman himself, he fully understands the difficulties youths, women and people with disabilities were currently facing in competing for businesses and tenders in Zambia owing to the harsh environment that mainly favours foreign entities.

Mr. Hichilema said other than creating quality jobs and offering relevant skills to the youths, the dream of UPND would be make sure that the Zambian Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) and Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Acts were immediately amended in a manner that will favour Zambian companies, especially those owned by youths, women and people with disabilities.

“There is too much politicking in this country at the expense of development. If there was another route to help my country by influencing policy without politics, I would surely use that route. Unfortunately, I have to be a politician first and get elected for me to influence policy in this country,” he told the youths and women.

He said youths, women and capacity of people with disabilities have been underrated for a long time and added that he knew some people would disagree with him by saying that young people, women and people with disabilities cannot handle government tenders and projects.

Mr. Hichilema said the truth was that no one was born with capacity and later alone with liquidity.

“But for us in UPND, if you have a public tender from ZPPA, that is already financial capacity for that you can approach a financial institution or partners to offer you soft loans or joint ventures to implement projects,” Mr. Hichilema said.

Mr. Hichilema said while working on improving administration for women, youths and disabled groups, he would push for a legislation that would make it mandatory for allocation of one-third of government contracts to young people, women, and disabled groups as well as investment on the entertainment, sports and tourism industries.

“All we shall demand from you people is financial discipline and of course a monitoring mechanism will developed so that you do not spend money in unproductive social vices but teach you to expand your businesses. We shall provide near to zero interest loans in collaboration with banks that will work closer with you in executing public contracts and other economic activities so that we can further develop your capacity. I am sure within 5 years of being in office, we shall have responsible young millionaires in Zambia able to compete favourably in various economic activities,” he told the gathering.

[pullquote]“There is too much politicking in this country at the expense of development. If there was another route to help my country by influencing policy without politics, I would surely use that route. Unfortunately, I have to be a politician first and get elected for me to influence policy in this country,” he told the youths and women.[/pullquote]

The UPND leader said even as he was making such policy promises, he was fully aware that PF had damaged the image and reputation of politicians in the country because of the many unfulfilled promises and twists on many issues they promised the people.

“But please I beg you to understand that the people you voted for in 2011 are the same people you have been having since independence. The current finance minister (Alexander Chikwanda) was in that same office accruing Zambian debt when most of us were probably in lower grades. For them, they have no idea on wealth creation other than borrowing which is really the easiest thing to do. At least in their borrowing, they should have been injecting money in productive sectors and not consumption like they are doing now,” he said.

Mr. Hichilema told the youths and women that up to now, nothing tangible can be pointed that PF has done from the huge loans they have been contracting including the Euro-bond money, yet the country’s debt keeps raising plus interest.

“Don’t be cheated by some cooked-up employment figures you are being told. Youths and women unemployment in this country is just too high and has been ignored for far too long, yet most of you spend a lot of energy and time on alcohol and drug abuse out of frustration,” he said.

Mr. Hichilema said he is sometimes accused of merely critisizing the ruling government without offering solutions. But added that the PF were free to implement such workable solutions he was talking about.

[pullquote]“Don’t be cheated by some cooked-up employment figures you are being told. Youths and women unemployment in this country is just too high and has been ignored for far too long, yet most of you spend a lot of energy and time on alcohol and drug abuse out of frustration,” he said.[/pullquote]

“But I know it is always not possible to implement an idea which you do not believe in and lack understanding. For example, we shall also invest a lot of resources and initiatives by amending the ZPPA and Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Act and make a legal obligation to give your companies a delibarate competitive advantage when supplying to the market.

“The legal provision will make it mandatory for government bodies and other private sector players to buy Zambian goods first as well as create procurement quotas for youths, women and people with disabilities,” he said.

And part of the compliance and monitoring mechanism, your companies will be registered with ZPPA and ZDA and all public entities will be expected to comply by filing quarterly reports with the ZPPA and ZDA.

“We shall go further by scrapping or reducing exorbitant fees for acquisition of tender documents and these will also be made available online for download. And on supply of goods and services, we shall ensure that youth and women entities be paid within a period not exceeding 30 days,” he said.

The UPND leader also said there will be massive adjustments on land policies so that most of it will benefit youths, women and people with disabilities and enable them to use the same land as equity when getting partnerships with foreigners and bank loans.

I can go on and on our vision for you young people, our women and people with disabilities, but make no mistake, you people under the UPND government, the future is bright hence our motto of Zambia Forward for those of you who will seize the opportunities come 2016 when we form government,” he said.

99 COMMENTS

    • I like HH and think he has a role to play in Zambia’s future development but I’m skeptical with this policy.Zambias education system has gone down compared to what it was 2 decades ago.That means the intellectual quality of most youth in Zambia is wanting.Everyone is in survival mode.Everyone wants to grab as much money as they can and fast.This is seen when conducting business in Zambia.If a third of contracts is given to the largely illiterate youth how will this help our country?I think more focus should be on Education,education and education.

    • hat is wrong with this man? the man is dull. for arguments sake, we have about a 100 contracts running. out of which, 30 are the 30% HH talked about. Wat impact will it make to give 30 contracts to 30 youths who will in turn employ 100 youths each? how different is it giving the contracts to 30 already established businessmen (locals ofcourse) who in turn employ 100 youths each without hustling for capital, etc? HH is choked with the fact that PF is in power. what he is talking about is really experimenting. so this is the best HH can come up with? people be wary of the man seeking the highest job of the land. we are in capable hands right now. zed has never been better. HH should just stick to just criticizing. look at how he has embarrassed himself. and he is so ugly. atase.

    • This is the best he can do looking at the fact that he looted and plundered our economy then laundered his loot.

      your proposals are hollow and unsustainable in the current economic environment.

      think harder and come up with viable plans not your stinky stream

    • HH ,you are just the leader Zambia is waiting for to bring real change, not the change we have witnessed under the recycled leaders from rogue failed regimes. You have have outlined clear and credible plans embodied within the party ‘s “SMART ” targets.
      How ever your policy message fell short of assuring the Zambian youth that government empowerment programmes will benefit every Zambian youth irrespective their party affiliation to avoid the promotion of clandestine cadre organisations. I think its the editor who might have edited it wrongly.

      If Zambia wants to see real change brought about by totally new and young blood in politics then support UPND and vote HH and his team. Fellow Zambians lets not make another mistake of recycling leaders who took Zambians for granted…

    • Silozi our economic environment today gives undue advantage to Foreign investors who in turn externalise the profits…it does not end at 100 jobs. No. As part of the cost of doing business, the tender document is at K500.00 (just as we used to buy them under MMD). Tell me which youth, under privileged woman or disabled person would risk that much knowing very that the giant business house will bribe there way through. One third is a very big chance.

    • While we appreciate that the whole country is in agreement with the idea of uprooting PF cancer for good, we should also realise that it won’t make much sense to replace kaponya with ka kachema (cattle herding man). HH is not ready rule Zambia, it will too much risk to gamble for someone not tested. There is still time for him to raise the game adequately, realistically another 5 years or so could help. For only Nevers Mumba fits the bill.

  2. I’d rather support Nevers Mumba but compared to PF sharks at least HH talks issues,goals and projects unlike PF vuvuzelas with lies,smoke and mirrors aimed at deceiving poor undiscerning masses.Well spoken bwana HH.

    • This is too long to read, plus HH looks like a drunken cow. I’ll never worst my time to go and queue to vote for an african politician. id rather use that time to look nfor mula and feed my family. african politics sack

    • @Jo.
      Each time you are beaten pants and hands down by HH’s progressive ideas you run to the anti hill and scream tribalism.

      To be honest ,what have your tribal leaders achieved for Zambia apart from piling more misery on innocent Zambians who entrust them with instruments of power?
      I would rather vote for a Tonga who is sleepy in terms of “UKUBULAFYE” than some one who thinks “UKUBULAFYE” symbolises being clever.

      Unfortunately most Zambian have now realised that Mmembe is a rogue journalist who labels honest politicians who do not buy his dodgy plans for personal gain. See how he is busy confusing Sata. If Sata can get rid of Mmembe and his cartel, he would regain his man of action status. Unlike in the past Sata has rebranded himself as the man of inaction and rampant…

  5. HH is a self centred person who even refers to himself in the 3rd person. But given a choice between HH and the arrogant old dull foool we have in state house I would vote HH.

    • This real money in people’s pockets earned by following the right steps of being involved in work, not the promissory notes you were given by Mr. Cumbu and his PF.

  9. We don’t have to wait until one is President if you have workable plans please lobby through Parliament. You can also ask for a Meeting with Senior GRZ officials including the President on your plan (we only have one Zambia for us all), You don’t have to wait to be a President to Save a life.

    • @ Mwine Zed,
      Exactly my sentiments! Infact if he could achieve all this as an ordinary politician, he would sweep through to plot one even before 2016.

      @ Ba Engineer,
      If I were HH and posed a question to pick btwn you and Mwine zed for an Assistant, I would pick him, for what he has said promises a brighter future than yours! Annalyse that…… you will know what I mean, lets not just be cadres please!

    • MwineZed….

      You are very insincere. Fortunately we are not from Mars. We live here on earth and in Zambia and are witnesses to all the happenings in Zambia from 1964 to date.

      Where did you see African politicians in power embress the opposition? Please, try to be serious for once.

    • MwineZed: Are you the only Jew in Jerusalem who doesn’t see the answers…..in form of insults that George Chella (Assistant President) flashes whenever an opposition member writes to the President. Haaaaa! My friend State House can now insult even KK was better.

    • Too sharp indeed tho he speaks just like any other African aspiring president. Really nothing new. President HH lacks a calm heart – easily angered which is a negative trait in leadership. Patiently read thru his precious eyes. You will see ALOT!! My immediate and extended families really castigated the hell out of me for not voting for PF the last time – but guess who is laughing last. I will never waist my time voting in my beloved African country of Zambia. No government will ever feed my family.

    • Too sharp he reaped off the country through privatization! I like the plan though, but working towards those is wishful thinking, he is telling the story that poor sufferers in Zambia want to hear period, he has learnt the language too. He has failed to beat them and now he has joined them in politicking, isn’t this the similar story munshololwa was sing before you sent him to plot one?

    • As if. HH is still crying that he has missed his only chance at politics, which was the PF pact. Further efforts are proving futile and will continue to be futile as he has no grassroots support whatsoever

  12. HH is always making sense. I’m begining to like him and I think he has just won another vote. We need serious financial managers at the helm.

    • That is the way to go. Not the cumbu who wanted to close facebook only last week, but now seems to have been told about its benefits, hence his appreciation by joining it.

  13. Thanks for this message.President Mwanawasa started the Rural Elecrifcation Authority,Rural Roads Unit,Youth empowerement fund and citizens Empoweremnet commission and the vision 2030.Men of great vision.
    Alas with this goverement all is mess with 41 projects of youths uncounted for.This is Zambia under PF.
    You are well come HH,you have my vote already.

  15. Wise words from the true son of our Zambian soils. HH am humbled & that tells the whole story of your success. I urge all Zambians to go for quality & not political exprience( in politics since 1960s) without a national development agenda. HH is a best a example of hardworking, visionary, success with intergrity etc. HH we love u.

  16. Mere politicing…
    What stuff does HH have? He has failed on his programs… If he becomes president, he will personalise everything and raise figures on his wealth at the expense of Zambians…
    We need people who are vibrant economically not just accumulating figures.
    What has HH done for Zambians or people in his localé but instead boast of his wealth.
    Think twice nywebo fi gaba….

  17. Am just loving how this sounds but is there a chance that this could be practically achieved anytime soon, like somewhere mid this year or early next year? For people have been promised countless times, they have heard tons of tell tales, what would make a difference this time around? Otherwise, am keeping my fingers crossed.

  19. Ba HH vote yandi ni vote yenu. High time we tested real change not all the time recycling the same politicians in the name of political experience. What politcal experience are we seeing now? Ati I was one a branch chairman, ward chairman then councilor then governor, then Mp then minister but what does that amount to? Never be cheated again. U dont need such experiences to run govt. All u need are brains and HH u have the brains.

  20. These are the brains we need at Plot 1 not blind leaders with no traceable academic record. No wonder Zambia’ s economy is currently on the rocks because of fossil brains.

  21. Is it not within the capacity of those who focus on what to do if 2016 goes their way to start schemes now that will provide examples of their capabilities? Would like to see ideas tested out without having to be in power by thinking outside the box and therefore in this case seeking partnerships that can be put in to place that work to provide supportive platforms. As for people with disabilities there are infrastructural needs beginning with wheelchair accessibility, facilitation of the visual or hearing impaired etc to be taken in to account. Only the new malls for example facilitate wheelchairs.

  22. I was analysing how unfortunate Africa has been for many years. Only Botswana has a modern constitution and the rest is the same old colonial laws in place. My question is why did the fight colonial masters if they are using the same laws against their people. We are seeing the same police brutalite like the olden days. So what is this so called independence if you can not assembly, no press freedom, you can not express yourself, being followed by special branch, the government is not accountable to citizens, courts are corrupt, the president appointing only his relatives so called family forest, the president is a master instead of being a slave to the voters. These are some of the things that make me concluded that we are dull people because the leaders we vote for. Why vote for Sata.

  23. This is the sort of stuff or line of debate one would expect from an erudite opposition leader. Only through this medium can one assess the depth of a leader. However, for someone who has made money privately, I dont undestand why HH thinks that the youth can only be empowered through getting tenders from the govt. Shouldnt he be emphasising on good education that can ensure good pivate sector participation? With all the money he has, he could make youth experimental projects that could just be a vote winner for him. One does not have to be a politician to be part of national development

  24. Empowerment is key to development for the SMEs. Especially the cattle restocking programme coupled with improved vaccinations methods as outlined in the UPND manifesto will go a long way in wealth creation for a lot of youths.

    A tonne of copper is selling at about USD 8000. Similarly, a tonne of beef on the European market is about USD 7000. You see from this arithmetic that we have to support those who know how to mine copper do their thing, and equally those who want to do cattle business to also go ahead. At the end a multiplier effect will kick in with the creation of businesses which will support the movement of cattle, veterinary services etc.

    UPND is the only way to prosperity.

  25. HH makes business sense. He’s been there, done it and rose up to become a credible Consultant nationally and internationally.

  26. Typical under five politician. This is the sort of nonsense he talks about even during rallies. It shows he has not learnt a single bit, very under five in failing to connect with the grassroots. He is talking about contracts, who told him it is every Zambian who needs contracts? Not all people have business acumen, are you telling me those uneducated people on the streets, in compounds and rural areas will pay much attention to contracts? Hence Sata’s govt is coming up with INDECO to address that issues

  27. This is good for HH. Now you are talking, please keep on telling Zambians what you will do once voted into power.

  28. HH, you are wasting time, you have made your party to go down from the time you took over and you are day dreaming?
    Keep on dreaming.

  29. HH looking at the change of events in pf I am sure every sane person can see you are the one fit for duty in the next general elections cos some people have already been there and we know their performance let alone Milupi and Chipimo Jnr. some few individuals from mmd the likes of chituo, kaingu, simbao and even in civil society and churches there are some people who make sense Emily Sikazwe, women for change chair, suzen from church, many others they know themselves can make a good combination to give us a change, but the problem we have in Zambia is every lion for himself we are not united and it is easy for the enemy to take advantage of our division had we been united with one voice without the issue of tribe we could not have been in these problems we are facing now.

  30. What is wrong with this man? the man is dull. for arguments sake, we have about a 100 contracts running. out of which, 30 are the 30% HH talked about. Wat impact will it make to give 30 contracts to 30 youths who will in turn employ 100 youths each? how different is it giving the contracts to 30 already established businessmen (locals ofcourse) who in turn employ 100 youths each without hustling for capital, etc? HH is choked with the fact that PF is in power. what he is talking about is really experimenting. so this is the best HH can come up with? people be wary of the man seeking the highest job of the land. we are in capable hands right now. zed has never been better. HH should just stick to just criticizing. look at how he has embarrassed himself. and he is so ugly. atase.

  31. it is easy said and planned than employed and done. SATA, mearnt what he promised but he is just challenged by the time read 1timothy 3. These are difficult times. Mr HH sir we kow u have that haert for Zambians but to advise u, dont be full of I.I,I,I,I,I OR ME,ME,ME,ME.DONT OVER-PROMISE. SO THEN HUMBLE YOURSELF AND GOD WILL LIFT U UP IN HIS SET TIME AS LONG AS IT IS HIS WILL TO LEAD THIS COUNTRY.AND YOU GUYS WHO ARE CALLING THE PRESIDENT (sata) to be dull, becareful, u may be speaking agaist God, its you and me who chose and GODS permissive will DID IT. YOU CANT MARRY A LADY AND SAY SHE IS A FOOL. IF SHE SI THEN YOU ARE ALSO A FOOL BECUASE YOU SHOULD HAVE IDENTIFIED HER FOOLISHNESS AS YOU WERE PROPOSING HER. I TELL YOU LIKE THAT. ICINTU CINTU TWAMWENE , LEKENI CITEKE. LETS PRAY FOR SATA

  33. Let your heart hold fast for this soon shall pass; It is self evident that in history, the underdogs have also had their day! HH, hold on.

  34. Sounds like Chama Chakomboka who used to say he knew where Zambia’s wealth was, but could only show us after we make him president. Sorry, it takes more than that to become a president of a country like Zambia. try to enter the system by being an MP and show the nation what you are able to do before dreaming of being H. E. the president of Zambia.

  35. The problem I have with HH is that, in common with other politicians before him, he is dealing with the symptoms of Zambia’s maladministration and poor governance. HH has stated before that what Zambia needs now is economic independence. But, this is jumping the gun. Zambians are NOT politically independent yet. Zambia’s independence was still-born at the Appointed Day, 24 October 1964!

    Zambians were not liberated simply because one person became President and several others became ministers. These people, by occupying whitemens offices, only became black-white colonisers! Todate, we still worship them as our colonial masters, though indigeneous!

    HH should fight for total liberation of this country before he spends more fighting for the next stage of liberation – economic…

  36. u re imitating everythg SATA was doing HH and yet u ko him chimbwi wtout plan. all yo political tactics are pure imitatns of sata’s. but u need 2do mo b4 yo messages begn 2resonate wt us & in turn win our heart/votes becos we cn see u re fak, gonger & the real deal is in state hous. watch hw Zambia develops by 2016 not evn a combind oppostn wl b a factor

    • my friend, you are just voicing your opinion as an individual, so desist from saying ‘we’ you only carry one vote 1diot

  37. You can bark as much as you like,UPND is a party that is united and capable of uniting Zambia as a peaceful living nation not where one tribe wants to dominate the 72 tribes.
    Prudent financial discipline is lacking at present and if things continue at this rate,Zambia will be worse than Somalia

    • but clean your house first UPND. Plans and policies also require ETHICS & MORALS. We are watching the people you have chosen to surround yourself with.

  39. Ba HH,
    No matter the sweet talk you tell your followers, you cannot change the mindset of lazy Zambians. Everyone wants a white collar job and the country is saturated with only business colleges instead of agriculture and manufacturing colleges.
    Akusabaila

  41. I have nothing against HH, he’s intelligent and a successful businessman But lets face it, this guy is not presidential material. Would well as background advisor of a think-tank. He lacks charisma, appeal and there is also something not quite right about him being president other than the fact that as an aspiring presidential candidate, he needs minimum exposure to a public leadership positions. Parliament, government or workers union portfolio in any capacity as an elected, appointed or nominated official to learn the ropes. We know substance matters but he needs a full makeover top-to-bottom to appeal as a person. Kaunda had it, Chiluba had it, Mwanawasa had exposure and so was Rupiah. Well, even aba bali mu State House(despite being a massive let-down).HH not for now, sorry!

    • @WU
      He needs to consider the packaging. a full make-over would not hurt. He must also exercise political expediency and get rid of the bad apples that will tarnish his image if he fails to act.

  42. His message compared to what Never Mumba issued is opportunistic, sub-standard and impractical. Take a step back and gather your thoughts rather bring out desperate messages similar to Sata’s 90 day mantra. I think Zambians have learnt from their mistakes of believing Sata’s lies. Not again brother! Rather than use the language of favour for the class of individuals he has stated, he should use non-discrimination on basis of age, gender or disability. In short creating level playing field, nevertheless the whole package is tasteless.

  43. HH does not need to be charisma and appealling to be president. What we want is an educated person not a fool like the one we have. We expected Scot to help Sata but unfortunately is the waste colonial whiteman still in power in Africa. He thinks like a kaponya at SWATO market. We know is the one who is behind manipulation of the constitution. Please come 2016 insure that he is bouted of of Lusaka central. Lets have someone local with intellengency no more Patels, Asians or Scots

  44. In Zambia we trust fellow tribes man very much. Let me now open your eyes a little people, lets us not bring tribe in the governance of our country, for a change whoever president will come to govern this country put politics of tribe aside appoint people who can perform in their rightful positions to develop our country to make it a better place for every one to live in including our tribes men, our children, gland children even the generations to come, if u put wrong people in wrong places they will never perform and your country will rally behind in terms of development not only that but your respect, and dignity for putting non performers is at stake at the end of the day who will loose elections? Let us not be blind folded by tribe we feed and educate our children on our own.

  45. Alas, am voting for hh come 2016.
    I don’t need mushebwa ayile nama-fi ku state house or chumbu mushololwa. Not anymore.

  47. Sata is sweating as hh is slowly gaining ground. My advice to hh is go round the country tell the people all that you will do once elected as president. You will not be selling your ideas to pf because they still do not understand the core analysis of your plans.

  48. No words but just to say please Sata give us the IDC for us to revamp some of the industries such as SPARK, Munilunga Pineapple etc which are just lying idle. Favour Zambians for some particular jobs than foreigners who externalize the money. We cant wait long for NDC.

    Peace and Prosperity to Mother Zambia.

  50. After nearly 50 years of trial and error economic mismanagement, why not afford this young and vibrant success story, a chance to be CEO of our national economy?

  51. Our HH has a history of stealing public funds. How can we trust him with the trillions of Government funds. He is the worst liar n people should not take him for genuine person. Even the cows at his farm knows him very well.

    • Innocent until proven guilty. The label of “thief” would just as easily stick on Michael Sata, Nevers Mumba, Rupia Banda, much as it did on Frederick Chiluba!

  52. 30 days not 90 days? Try to come with something original please Mr “I, Haaakaaainde HiiChiiLemmma”. You had chance to maintain the PACT, but you were too childish, selfish and greedy. Now change careers

  53. This eerily reeks of NAREP’s NEEP PLAN which has been around for two years. Plagiarism anyone? Anyway, HH is working to untenable timescales. The real homework was done by NAREP and their timescales are more realistic

  54. Progressiveness begins after thought.Its good that HH has an idea where to head.
    To HH:Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage-your Supporter

  55. Which Government, I doubt if you will ever form a Government in Zambia.
    Am sure you are a dreamer, continue dreaming dear. May be you will form a Government at your farm.

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