I pay my school-going children more than some directors get paid in government — Chanda
UPND Alliance member and UPPZ president Charles Chanda says he is not seeking a government position, arguing that he is financially secure enough to have no interest in pursuing public office for personal benefit.
Chanda says his involvement in politics is instead driven by his desire to support President Hakainde Hichilema in building what he considers a better country.
He says his financial position is such that he can comfortably support his children, including those still in school, and that the amounts they receive are, in some cases, higher than salaries earned by government directors.
Chanda says this should demonstrate that he is not participating in politics because he is looking for employment or a government appointment.
“I have everything. My children have everything. How many parents today can pay their children salaries? Somebody is doing Grade 12, you’re paying the child a salary,” he said.
He further claimed that the salaries received by some of his children are higher than those of some directors in government.
Chanda also dismissed the suggestion that he would be motivated by the salary attached to serving as an MP or Minister, saying the amounts would be insignificant compared to his financial capacity.
He said he could even afford to personally meet the salaries of Members of Parliament if required.
“The salary of an MP or a Minister, I don’t think I can even call it a salary. Because that one, maybe in two minutes I can finish it,” Chanda said.
He maintained that he is therefore not desperate for a government position and that his political involvement should instead be viewed in the context of his desire to contribute to the country’s development.
Chanda said he could even take responsibility for paying MPs’ salaries without experiencing financial difficulty.
“You can give me all the MPs, I can pay their salaries. I don’t have a problem,” he said.
-TV Yatu | David Kashiki | September 17, 2026.
Mr. Chanda, you pay your school going children? For doing what? For going to school or the mere fact that they are your children?
This is not something to be proud of or to gloat about. I wouldn’t be surprised if your children grow up thinking the world owes them a living.
Unfortunately, it has its own crude way of dealing with pampered children.