President Hakainde Hichilema graced the 2024 Lunda-Lubanza Traditional Ceremony as the guest of honor in Zambezi District, North Western Province. The event, which brought together Lunda communities from Angola, Congo DRC, and Zambia, coincides with Zambia’s 60th independence anniversary, highlighting the nation’s commitment to embracing diversity to foster harmony and unity.

In his address, President Hichilema emphasized the significance of the ceremony, especially during a challenging period in Zambia’s history as the El Niño-induced drought has severely impacted many parts of the country. He stressed the importance of preserving and passing on the rich cultural heritage celebrated at the Lunda-Lubanza Ceremony to future generations, noting that such traditions have the power to unite the nation.

“The Lunda-Lubanza is not just a celebration of our culture, but a reminder of the strength we find in unity,” said President Hichilema. “In a time when our country faces significant challenges, it is our shared traditions and values that will guide us through.”

The President also called on the Mukandakunda Royal Establishment and the organizing committee to collaborate with the government to develop the Lunda-Lubanza Ceremony into a major tourist attraction. He highlighted the potential for the event to showcase Zambia’s rich cultural diversity on a global stage, boosting both tourism and national pride.

“We have a unique opportunity to turn this celebration into a platform that not only preserves our heritage but also promotes our country to the world,” President Hichilema added. “Let us work together to ensure that the Lunda-Lubanza becomes a symbol of our nation’s resilience and unity.”

As Zambia marks its 60th year of independence, the Lunda-Lubanza Ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and the role it plays in fostering national unity and pride.

President Hakainde Hichilema graced the 2024 Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena Traditional Ceremony of the Bemba-speaking people in Mungwi District, Northern Province. In his address, President Hichilema underscored the importance of unity and cultural preservation as vital elements for national development.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President highlighted the need for the country to uphold its rich traditions and cultural heritage, which serve as a foundation for the nation’s identity. He urged traditional leaders across Zambia to continue fostering unity by learning from and visiting one another, emphasizing that “unity in diversity is what this country needs. We can achieve more on the platform of unity.”

President Hichilema also applauded the people of Northern Province for their increased maize production, attributing this success to favorable rainfall patterns. He encouraged continued hard work in agriculture to further enhance productivity and national food security, assuring the government’s support in irrigation projects within the region.

The President took the opportunity to commend His Royal Highness, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, for his role in promoting peace and unity by embracing other traditional leaders across the country. This year’s ceremony, which saw the participation of over 33 chiefs and 40 VIPs, including former Vice President Nevers Mumba, was a testament to this spirit of national cohesion.

In addition to cultural matters, President Hichilema addressed the progress in infrastructure development, particularly the rehabilitation of Kasama Airport, which has facilitated easier access to the Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena ceremony. He announced that contracts have been signed for the rehabilitation of Mansa Airport, with plans to improve all provincial airports to boost air travel across Zambia.

The President also called on the people of Northern Province to capitalize on the region’s mineral wealth through legal and sustainable mining practices, emphasizing the potential for economic growth if managed responsibly.

In his remarks, Mwine Lubemba Chitimukulu Kanyata Manga II, through a speech delivered by Senior Chief Nkula, expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for officiating at the event and for the government’s commitment to regional development, particularly in improving Kasama Airport and supporting local infrastructure projects.

The Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena ceremony, an annual event, remains a significant cultural gathering, promoting unity and the preservation of traditions among the Bemba people and the broader Zambian community.

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the District Commissioners (DCs) to work as a team with the Government structures in their respective districts to deliver quality services to the people.

Mr Hichilema said the ultimate goal of his administration is to uplift the livelihoods of the people who gave his party a mandate to form Government with the sole purpose of uplifting people’s livelihoods.

Speaking at a meeting with DCs from across the 10 provinces at State House , Mr Hichilema reminded them to serve people passionately and with integrity.The Head of State called for responsibility amongst DCs in the distribution of various services to the people in their respective districts especially amidst the adverse effects of climate change.

“We need to work as a single team in our endeavour to deliver quality services to the Zambian citizens who are our masters, ours is to serve the people, that is our sole mandate and nothing else,” he said.

Mr Hichilema further advised the DCs to promote unity and team work in their respective districts in a bid to realise meaningful economic development across the country.

“We are put in Government through our constitutional democracy to run the affairs of the country properly, grow the economy, attract investment and trade so that we can support the people of Zambia,” he said.

The President also reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to bettering the welfare of the people as opposed to self-enrichment like what used to happen in the past, and that DCs play a crucial role in coordinating government programmes.

The Head of State further explained that there can never be tangible economic growth in the country if there is infighting between the DC, town Council Chairpersons and Mayors in districts adding that the culture of differing among Government officers in the districts retard development.

The President advised the DCs to maintain a high level of discipline and moral conduct as they superintendent over various affairs of the districts in order to command respect from their subordinates.

“I implore you to promote peace among yourselves, DCs, Mayors, town Council Chairpersons, Permanent Secretaries and Ministers, you must be Coordinating programmes collectively,” Mr Hichilema said.

The Head of State has also disclosed that plans to include DCs in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) committees are underway and will soon be expected to start contributing their inputs on the usage of CDF.

Mr Hichilema has since promised for more meetings with Government workers in future, aimed at comparing notes with one another on the best practices to serve the country and announced that the next meeting will be for the ward councillors on the date to be communicated.

Earlier, Lusaka District Commissioner, Rosa Zulu, praised the President for creating a platform to interact with DCs aimed at exchanging notes on enhancing professionalism in the discharge of Government functions in their respective districts.
Ms Zulu expressed optimism that out of the fruitful discussion between the President and DCs, a roadmap will be drawn out on how best to work for the people and realise social and economic development across the country.
“Mr President, we are grateful for this meeting with you here at State House, my friends and I are expectant to hear more from you. I am sure from this meeting we will be encouraged to work harder,” she said.

The government has announced that security agencies are making significant headway in the pursuit of Petauke Central Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Banda, who recently escaped from lawful custody.

Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa revealed at a media briefing that investigations have determined that Banda did not escape on his own but received external assistance. Mweetwa clarified that Banda’s wife, although present at the time of the escape, has not been arrested but has been interrogated.

“The revelation indicates that Mr. Banda’s flight was not a solitary act but involved assistance from others,” Mweetwa told journalists. He reassured the public that investigative agencies are working diligently to locate Banda and bring him back to face justice.

Meanwhile, Economic Front Party (EFP) President Wynter Kabimba stated that Banda’s escape is not an isolated incident but part of a larger criminal syndicate aimed at causing instability in the country. Kabimba urged investigative wings to uncover the motives behind the alleged funding of Banda, warning that the interests of this syndicate are detrimental to Zambia.

Speaking at a press briefing, Kabimba emphasized that Banda should not receive sympathy for his alleged criminal acts, asserting that individuals who violate the law must face arrest and prosecution regardless of their social status. He criticized sections of society that oppose the prosecution of the Petauke lawmaker, who is reportedly responsible for multiple criminal offenses during the previous PF administration.

The search for Emmanuel Banda continues, with the government and security agencies committed to ensuring he is brought to justice.