HOUSE of Chiefs chaplain Chief Chipepo has said the traditional leaders have welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s Cabinet appointments describing the appointments as tribal balanced and good, to foster national unity.
Chief Chipepo said President Hichilema should not be demonised by those criticizing the ministers he appointed as they had capacity to deliver on the campaign promises made to the Zambian people.
In an interview yesterday, the traditional leader cited the appointment of Sylvia Masebo as one who would shake up the Ministry of Health following scandals ranging from drugs to financial scandals.
“We have divergent views but so far as chiefs are concerned, we have nothing to complain, it’s a people driven Cabinet and those condemning that this one is from MMD or which former party, it’s unfair, because these
people have vital experience to drive the development agenda of our nation,” he said.
Chief Chipepo said the chiefs were also happy with the appointment of Jack Mwimbu as Home Affairs Minister because he would effectively deal with political carderism, enhance professionalism in the police service and
further champion new reforms, Bills including re-looking at the Public Order Act.
He hailed the merging of he ministry of Chiefs with Local Government saying traditional leaders can work directly with local authorities across the country to enable them increase their revenue collection and save funds.
Chief Chipepo also suggested to the Government to blend the ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs with Home affairs under registrar of society that deals with churches and organizations.
Meanwhile the Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Dispute (SACCORD) executive director Boniface Cheembe said the newly appointed Cabinet presented all regions across the country and was a
blend of experienced politicians.
Mr. Cheembe said in an interview that many Zambians were increasingly becoming anxious to know who would make the new and first cabinet for the United Party for National Development (UPND) and that the choice
of individuals reflected well in terms of representation of the country in as far religion was concerned.
He said his hope that the new Cabinet would be selfless and work with the people of Zambia in order to deliver on the numerous campaigns made.
“As SACCORD we welcome the newly announced Cabinet by President Hichilema considering the fact that people were increasingly becoming anxious. We wish them all the best as they embark on the journey to represent the Zambian people, we also hope that they new Cabinet would be servants of the people and observe the saying which says service above self,” Mr. Cheembe said.
