ABOUT STATEHOUSE ADVISORS & STAFF SINCE INDEPENDENCE
By: Miles B. Sampa
23rd October 2026
Back in the day, I remember one elderly Statehouse presidential advisor fired becuase his proximity to the then President (FTJ) made him to think he also a co President. Once the President had a meeting with some investors without inviting him in and he got offended. Quoted complaining; he was out instant.
Then I remember one (not under RB) who wanted to outshine his Boss and ever in media. They both did not last long at Plot 1.
Then came another one who thought his title also meant he was the Tenderprenuers ‘stock exchange’ .
He would call and order PSs to give hefty contracts to cadres who before PF formed governemnt; I used to give them (including dame advisor) , money for rent and food from my pocket. He got fired eventually but as at now; they either all ok the run or in some prison for corruption and other criminal offenses.
I wont even bother writing on the one that would fake witchcraft powers to intimidate everyone that would arrive inside Statehouse.
Then witnessed fellas who used to ask from me and help then with petty cash for food before they had been given jobs inside Satehouse but then become big headed overnight. Soon their hung outs became the expensive opulent joints of Lusaka. They dumped Mosi or ‘junta’ and were now sipping the most expensive single malt whiskey.
“ I only take Glenfidish 18 or 24 and not 12 you silly barman”. They would brag. “ Do you know who I am? “ They would ask but today; they all back to ‘Comesa liquor’ if not prison.
My point is on HH’s Advisors whom he gave another mandate yesterday. They are the total opposite of the lot before them. I doubt any of them even drink alchohol and if so, atleast not in public places. Not witnessed any and interacted with most especially during the last August excruciating campaigns countrywide.
Been in meetings Chaired by the President and where they’re present. They are all orderly with pen & paper taking notes. They only intervene if called upon by the Chair. They are courteous to the President’s guests from arrival to depature.
If I was a guest of the President on any of his meetings, events or trips be it during campaigns, his Advisors and their junior support staff would manage my (& others) presence from start to end with due courtesies.
I witnessed and experienced a previous regime where Advisors would instead harass, shuluka (ignore), compete for attention with guests of the President. Even as Mayor or MP; I would get ‘elbowed out’ by them or their cadres on the line to welcome the then President. lol
Its the reason I am on terra firma to state that Brandford Machila, Levy Ngoma, Chris Mundia, Dr Lawrence, Mwananyanda, Joseph Chirwa and others, are about the best Advisors that the Statehouse of Zambia have had. This also includes Chipo Mwanawasa that has since left. One would have expected her to be arrogant like others given her last name but No; she was always respectful and courteous to the President’s guests before, during and after meetings.
Here we are. That new role of hers as CEO of Trafigura is not a joke. They are such a big commodities and mineral global traders. They have a hand in nearly all global oil & mineral transactions and rank about second to BHP Biliton.
Also worth noting on HH’s team team unlike those before them; these keep to their lanes and never compete or do acts to outshine each other to the Boss or public. Instead they compliment one another’s roles into a coordinated team work for their Boss’s wins & success.
Above is also so true for HH’s appointed staff at Cabinet Office.
The proof is in the pudding given that during his last 5 years, HH outperformed all his predecessors and himself by any measure. Numbers and figures don’t lie.
Dwight D. Eisenhower the 34th U.S. President famously once said;
“You are only as good as the people you have around you.”
Congratulations to all Advisors, PAs, Specialists and all other support staff for HH whose mandate he has renewed. Well deserved.
Asanta Sana
MBS23.10.2026
Alliance Partner