“We have Failed” – Hakainde Hichilema admits

President Hakainde Hichilema has publicly acknowledged that his administration and the nation as a whole have failed to adequately manage the energy sector, admitting that persistent challenges such as erratic supply, delayed reforms, and dependence on hydro-power remain unresolved.

Speaking in Parliament, Hichilema said while his government inherited deep structural problems, it has not yet delivered the lasting solutions citizens expected. “We must be honest with ourselves — as government and as a people — that we have failed to deal with energy in the way our economy demands,” he stated.

The President pointed to inadequate diversification, insufficient investment in renewable capacity, and heavy dependence on the Kariba hydropower system as key weaknesses that continue to constrain economic growth. “Our energy policy still relies too much on one source, yet the climate has clearly shown us that rainfall alone cannot power industry,” he said.

He conceded that the ongoing load-shedding has placed a heavy burden on small businesses, mines, and households, causing frustration nationwide. “I understand the anger,” Hichilema told lawmakers. “Our citizens expect light when they switch on the bulb. We owe them that stability.”

The Head of State revealed that government is revisiting the Energy Regulation Act and revising licensing conditions for Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to accelerate alternative supply. He said the Energy Ministry has been instructed to prioritise solar, wind, and biomass projects with local participation.

Hichilema further disclosed that bilateral engagements were underway with regional partners, including Zimbabwe and Namibia, to coordinate shared grid capacity during peak shortages. “We are seeking a regional model that cushions every member state in times of drought or low water levels,” he said.

The President also warned that politicisation of energy tariffs and delayed cost-reflective adjustments had discouraged private investment. “We must confront the truth that free electricity is a myth. Sustainable power requires proper pricing,” he said.

He appealed for patience as government completes ongoing infrastructure works, including upgrades to Kafue Gorge Lower, Lunzua, and new mini-hydro stations across Northern and North-Western provinces.

The President said he took full responsibility for the shortcomings. “It is not enough to blame the past. Leadership is about accepting failure and fixing it. We have not done enough; now we must,” he said.

His remarks have drawn mixed reactions. Economists commended his candour but urged urgent policy follow-through. Energy sector unions, meanwhile, demanded faster action to secure fuel supply and restore investor confidence.

Hichilema concluded his address with an assurance that Zambia’s long-term energy strategy would shift toward sustainability. “We are building resilience from the ground up. The mistakes of today must become the lessons of tomorrow,” he said.

Mulenga Kapwepwe Urges President Hichilema to Respect the Wishes of the Lungu Family 

Cultural activist Mulenga Kapwepwe, daughter of Zambia’s late vice president Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, has advised President Hakainde Hichilema to exercise restraint and humility in handling the burial dispute involving the late former president Edgar Chagwa Lungu, saying the family’s wishes must take precedence.

Appearing on KBN TV, Kapwepwe reflected on how her family navigated her father’s funeral, recalling that government’s role under Dr. Kenneth Kaunda’s administration was one of assistance and respect rather than control. “When my father died, the government did not interfere. They asked how they could help,” she said.

She noted that the state’s duty under the Presidential Benefits and Entitlements Act was to facilitate logistical and financial support, not to dictate arrangements. “That law provides for help with funeral expenses but nowhere does it say government should take charge of a deceased president’s body,” she said.

Kapwepwe said history had set a moral precedent for today’s leadership. “When my father passed away, Dr. Kaunda had even prepared to deliver a speech, but when we asked him not to, he respected our wishes. That humility was leadership,” she said.

She explained that the current standoff over the late president Lungu’s burial site had become unnecessarily politicised. “This is not about power. It is about family, grief, and dignity. When leadership respects family wishes, it shows empathy and national maturity,” she said.

Kapwepwe urged President Hichilema to draw lessons from the late Kaunda’s handling of funerals of prominent figures, where government involvement complemented rather than overshadowed families. “Kaunda believed funerals were sacred family affairs. He provided state support quietly and respectfully,” she said.

She added that heavy-handed state interference risked worsening divisions. “Healing is achieved when power humbles itself before grief,” she said. “If the government insists on controlling this process, it may deepen public resentment.”

Kapwepwe stressed that reconciliation and unity were more important than political posturing. “This moment could have been an opportunity for national healing. Instead, it is threatening to create another line of division,” she said.

She expressed disappointment that what should have been a solemn transition was turning into a legal battle. “We cannot litigate grief. Let the family decide where their loved one should rest,” she said.

Kapwepwe appealed for dialogue between the government and the Lungu family to resolve the issue amicably. “This is not about winning or losing. It is about compassion. A government that listens to the grieving earns the nation’s respect,” she said.

Her remarks follow an ongoing legal dispute between the state and the Lungu family over the burial site of the former president, who died earlier this month. The government has cited provisions of the Presidential Benefits Act to justify its role, while the family insists on making the final decision.

Kapwepwe said the matter called for empathy over authority. “Respect is the legacy of good governance. The family must be allowed to bury their father with dignity,” she said.

She concluded by urging President Hichilema to emulate the statesmanship of past leaders. “Leadership is not about asserting power in grief. It is about preserving peace through understanding,” she said.

Linda Kasonde Demands Resignation of Bill 7 Committee for Operating Illegally

The call for resignation comes at a time when Zambia is grappling with significant constitutional changes. The implications of such amendments affect not just the political landscape, but also the social fabric of the nation. Citizens are increasingly aware of their rights and are demanding a more participatory approach to governance.

Prominent lawyer Linda Kasonde has called for the immediate resignation of members of the Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendment, accusing the body of operating illegally and in defiance of a Constitutional Court judgment.

Kasonde’s concerns are echoed by various legal experts who advocate for transparency in the constitutional amendment process. They argue that a lack of consultation could lead to legal challenges and public unrest, as seen in previous attempts to amend the constitution.

Speaking on Hot FM Radio, Kasonde said the committee’s work on the controversial Bill 7 was fundamentally flawed from inception. She argued that President Hakainde Hichilema’s appointment of the team without a clear legal framework or proper consultation had thrown the process into disrepute.

During her appearance on the radio, Kasonde emphasized the importance of public participation in constitutional matters. She suggested that proper forums should be established where citizens can voice their opinions and concerns without fear of retribution.

“This Technical Committee should never have been set up in this manner,” she said. “Its formation contravenes the law, and the only honourable thing for its members to do is resign immediately and abandon this illegal process.”

Kasonde’s statement highlights the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the committee’s mandate. Legal analysts note that any process perceived as illegitimate could lead to a lack of trust in governing institutions.

Kasonde explained that the committee’s terms of reference limited genuine consultation and failed to align with the constitutional principles of participation and transparency. “It is not in the best interest of the people of Zambia,” she said. “You cannot claim to collect views nationwide in just ten days. That is not consultation; that is imposition.”

In the context of Zambia’s history, constitutional amendments have often been contentious. The previous administration faced backlash for similar reasons, where citizens felt sidelined in crucial national decisions. Kasonde’s critique serves as a reminder of these past failures.

She said the government appeared to be dictating the direction of constitutional reform rather than facilitating citizen input. “The process is neither democratic nor participatory. It actually goes against the spirit of the Constitutional Court’s earlier ruling on how constitutional amendments must be handled,” she observed.

She reiterated that genuine constitutional reform requires more than just the appearance of inclusivity; it demands actual engagement with the populace. “Democracy thrives on dialogue,” she stated, implying that the current proceedings lack this essential element.

According to Kasonde, the short timeframe given to the committee was “impossible” and demonstrated that the exercise was a mere formality. “You cannot tour an entire country, receive submissions, analyse them, and compile a credible report within a month,” she said.

Kasonde stressed that every citizen has a role to play in shaping the nation’s constitution. Workshops, community meetings, and online platforms could facilitate broader discussions and ensure diverse viewpoints are considered.

She also criticised what she described as the government’s failure to obey court orders, saying both the Executive and the Legislature were undermining judicial authority. “We now have a national constitutional crisis,” Kasonde warned. “The Executive refuses to comply with a court order, and even the Speaker of the National Assembly disregards the Constitutional Court’s decision. That is dangerous for any democracy.”

The critique of the government’s approach raises questions about accountability. Citizens must hold their leaders to higher standards, ensuring that their voices are not only heard but also actively sought out in the decision-making process.

Kasonde said the Technical Committee’s existence ignored fundamental legal requirements established by the court after the collapse of Bill 10 under the previous administration. “The court set clear limits on how such a committee could be constituted and what its mandate should be. Those guidelines have been ignored,” she said.

Legal experts have warned that failure to adhere to constitutional protocols can lead to significant repercussions, including international scrutiny. Kasonde’s remarks resonate with those advocating for a more structured approach to governance.

She added that the rushed process risked producing a defective Constitution. “What we are witnessing under the United Party for National Development is not a healthy democracy,” she said. “It is the same command-style approach that Zambians rejected before.”

The potential for a defective Constitution not only jeopardizes current governance but also sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations. Kasonde’s call for a transparent process aligns with best practices observed in countries that successfully navigated constitutional reforms.

The lawyer appealed to citizens to demand accountability from the state. “We cannot afford to play politics with the Constitution. It is the supreme law that governs us all,” she said.

In her appeal to the public, Kasonde underscored the necessity for citizens to engage with their representatives. “We must be proactive,” she urged, advocating for citizens to demand meetings with their elected officials to discuss the implications of Bill 7.

Her remarks came amid growing concern from civil-society organisations and opposition parties who argue that the new Bill 7 process is designed to consolidate political control rather than strengthen governance.

Concerns from civil society organizations about the integrity of the amendment process have intensified. Activists emphasize the necessity of public forums where citizens can express their views and concerns about Bill 7 without fear of repercussions.

Kasonde concluded that only a fresh, transparent, and inclusive process could restore public confidence. “We need to start again — legally, openly, and with full participation of every Zambian. Anything less than that is unconstitutional.”

Kasonde’s conclusion serves as a rallying cry for Zambians to reclaim their agency in shaping the Constitution. The focus must shift towards a process that honors the voices of all Zambians, ensuring that any amendments, including those proposed in Bill 7, reflect the will of the people.