HH takes on Cornelius Mweetwa
“I have heard them complain that I left them out as Ministers. Be grateful that you are an MP. Out of everyone born in Choma, Mweetwa, be grateful that you are an MP” -HH
President Hakainde Hichilema has publicly reminded former
Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa to
appreciate his position as Member of Parliament for Choma
Central, following his exclusion from the new Cabinet.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday when he arrived at
his farm in Choma to begin a 10-day visit to Southern Province.
Mweetwa was among several Members of Parliament who received
the President at the farm, where supporters also chanted “2090”
as Hichilema arrived with First Lady Mutinta Hichilema.
Addressing the gathering, the President referred to complaints
from some former ministers who were not reappointed to Cabinet,
telling them to appreciate the positions they currently hold.
[INS: :INS]
“I have heard them complain that I left them out as Ministers…
just be grateful that you are an MP. Out of everyone born in
Choma, Mweetwa, be grateful that you are an MP,” Hichilema
said.
The remarks appeared to be directed at the debate surrounding
the composition of the new Cabinet, particularly the
[22]exclusion of some senior figures who served in the previous
administration.
Mweetwa served as Southern Province Minister during the early
years of the UPND administration before being appointed
Minister of Information and Media, a position he held until the
end of the previous Cabinet.
Unlike several former ministers who lost their parliamentary
seats in the August 2026 general elections, Mweetwa
successfully retained Choma Central.
However, when President Hichilema announced his new Cabinet on
October 28, Mweetwa was not among those appointed.
His former Information and Media portfolio was subsequently
assigned to Elvis Nkandu.
Another former minister left out of the new Cabinet was Chipoka
Mulenga, who previously served as Minister of Commerce, Trade
and Industry. However, Mulenga lost his Chingola West
parliamentary seat in the August elections, meaning his
circumstances differ from those of Mweetwa.
The changes followed the formation of a new administration
after Hichilema’s re-election.
Mweetwa previously said he was not entitled to Cabinet appointment
Following the announcement of the new Cabinet, Mweetwa publicly
dismissed speculation surrounding his exclusion and maintained
that he had no entitlement to a ministerial position.
Speaking at a press briefing on November 1, the Choma Central
MP said the President had the constitutional authority to
appoint individuals he considered suitable to serve in
Government.
He argued that no Member of Parliament had an automatic right
to a Cabinet position and expressed gratitude for the five
years he had served as Minister of Information and Media.
Mweetwa also rejected speculation that his exclusion was linked
to political disagreements or alleged association with
opposition figures.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to Hichilema and the UPND, describing
himself as a disciple of the President and pledging to support
the new administration.
The former minister also urged party members to remain united
and avoid being influenced by speculation intended to create
divisions within the ruling party.
A reminder about the role of an MP
Hichilema’s remarks in Choma have brought the debate about
Cabinet appointments and the role of elected representatives
back into focus.
While Cabinet ministers are appointed by the President, Members
of Parliament derive their mandate from the electorate and have
responsibilities beyond serving in the Executive.
These include representing constituents, participating in
parliamentary debates, scrutinising Government policies and
legislation, and holding the Executive accountable.
Mweetwa’s continued presence in Parliament means he retains an
elected mandate to represent Choma Central, even without a
ministerial portfolio.
The President’s message was that those who were not selected
for ministerial positions should appreciate the offices they
currently occupy and continue serving in their respective
capacities.
For Mweetwa, Tuesday’s encounter was notable because the
President addressed him directly in front of supporters and
fellow political leaders, reminding him of the significance of
his parliamentary position.
The exchange comes as Hichilema begins his second-term
administration with a reshaped Cabinet and expectations that
elected leaders will work together to advance the Government’s
Grow Zambia Agenda.