They’ll see snake bums, Rupiah’s son, Andrew tells Mundubile’s financiers
ZAMBIA’S Ambassador to the Republic of South Korea, Andrew Banda, says he is not ashamed to openly campaign for President Hakainde Hichilema, declaring that he has returned home to help secure the Head of State’s second term in office.
And Banda says he has known NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile for more than 35 years, describing him as “like my son” because he was the best man at his daughter’s wedding.
Addressing the media in Eastern Province, Banda said President Hichilema has performed well and deserves another five-year mandate, expressing confidence that he will be inaugurated after the August 13 general election.
Banda further advised Mundubile that those financing his campaign would abandon him if he loses the election, just as he claimed supporters deserted his father, former President Rupiah Banda, after he lost power.
“I can assure you, they will see the bums of a snake or a crocodile,” Banda said, suggesting that if Mundubile’s financiers think he will win the election, they will be shocked.
He argues that Zambia’s economy has stabilised and is on a positive trajectory.
“The economy of Zambia has stabilised; it is working well. By 2030 we will produce 10 million metric tonnes of copper. What does that mean? More foreign exchange, and naturally, prices of commodities will start falling. On maize, we are aiming for 10 million metric tonnes by 2030,” he says.
Banda also defended his decision to actively campaign while serving as ambassador.
“I am not shy. I am a serving ambassador and I have come to campaign and defend President Hichilema. If BM8 wins, I am out because I am a political appointee. If HH wins, I continue. So there is nothing like, ‘Oh no, I am a civil servant.’ I am not going to hide. Those who are hiding, that’s their own decision. For me, I have come to defend him to the core,” he says.
Speaking about his relationship with Mundubile, Banda said politics had not affected the bond between their families.
“My daughter is married to BM8’s best friend. He was the best man at that wedding over 35 years ago. That means I know BM8 very well. He is like my son. When my father died, someone questioned why Mundubile should be near the family, but I said he is part of the family. My father was very close to Mundubile, so I know the boy very well,” he says.
Banda reiterates confidence that President Hichilema would be sworn in for a second term following the August 13 elections.
©TV Yatu | David Kashiki | July 14, 2026.