DPP URGES PRESIDENT HICHILEMA TO COMPLETE CABINET
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Antonio Mwanza has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to expedite the completion of his Cabinet, saying Zambia’s pressing economic and social challenges require substantive political leadership.
Mwanza said the Opposition’s role was to hold Government accountable and provide honest criticism while acknowledging areas where the administration had performed well.
He said recent Cabinet appointments had generally been well received, particularly because of their emphasis on professional competence, inclusivity and tribal balancing.
“Where Government gets it right, we should say so. Where it falls short, we must say that too,” Mwanza said.
He said the remaining Cabinet appointments should maintain the same standards, arguing that key ministries required competent political leadership to drive policy and development.
Mwanza identified youth unemployment, poverty, inequality and limited access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs among the challenges facing the country.
He further called for stronger leadership in sectors such as Mines, Agriculture, Education, Infrastructure Development, Tourism and Youth and Sport, which he described as central to Zambia’s economic transformation.
“These are not ceremonial portfolios,” he said.
Mwanza cautioned that Government had limited time to address the country’s challenges, noting that one month of President Hichilema’s five-year mandate had already elapsed.
“Time is not on our side,” he said.
He appealed to the President to appoint competent individuals to the remaining ministries and allow them to begin executing their responsibilities.
“So, Sir, complete the Cabinet,” Mwanza said.