CHOMBA MUSIKA
Lusaka
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has called for unity, discipline and “smart” hard work among Zambians, saying these values will be essential to building a better future and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach citizens across the country.
And Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has called for a shift in the Ministry’s focus towards investment, production, exports, job creation and higher incomes for Zambians.
Mr Hichilema said with faith in God and confidence in themselves, Zambians could collectively realise the country’s development aspirations under his renewed mandate.
“Together, with unity, discipline and hard smart work, let us Grow Zambia and build a better future for every citizen. With faith in God and confidence in ourselves, we will succeed,” President Hichilema said in a message posted on his Facebook page yesterday.
The President, who was re-elected in the August 13 general election, is currently constituting his Cabinet as he begins his second term in office.
On Monday, Mr Hichilema swore in the first four members of his Cabinet and cautioned that he will not tolerate non-performing public officers or those who violate the Government’s “rules of engagement”.
The newly appointed ministers are Situmbeko Musokotwane, who has returned to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning; Mulambo Haimbe, who retains the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation portfolio; Rhoma Chilengi as Minister of Health; and Gilbert Siame as Minister of Green Economy and Environment.
His first term was characterised by efforts to restructure Zambia’s debt and reduce inflation to single-digit levels.
The President has now placed greater emphasis on ensuring that economic recovery produces wider benefits for citizens.
Meanwhile, the Rhoma Foreign Relations Institute has welcomed the President’s initial cabinet appointments, describing the selection as a positive development because of the experience and technical expertise of the ministers.
Institute executive director Lengwe Bwalya said the appointments have set a high standard, particularly because the ministers bring considerable experience to their respective portfolios.
Mr Bwalya further described the appointments of Dr Chilengi and Dr Siame as significant, saying both bring extensive exposure and experience to their respective ministries.
He said the appointments reflect President Hichilema’s methodical approach to selecting leaders capable of improving service delivery and driving Zambia’s economic transformation over the next five years.
And Dr Musokotwane said the economic reforms undertaken over the past five years had established a stronger foundation, but the next phase must translate improved economic indicators into tangible benefits for citizens.
He was speaking during a strategic visioning meeting with Ministry management and senior officials following his reappointment. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
