GOVT DEFENDS PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S SON OVER ZNS COMMISSIONING CLAIMS

GOVT DEFENDS PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S SON OVER ZNS COMMISSIONING CLAIMS

The Ministry of Information and Media has clarified that President Hakainde Hichilema’s son, Lt. Habwela Hichilema, earned his place in the Zambia National Service (ZNS) on merit, not privilege.

Speaking at a joint press briefing with ZNS in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said Lt. Hichilema successfully passed the mandatory Officers Selection Board, which includes rigorous medical, physical, oral, and written assessments, before completing the standard training programme.

Mr. Kawana emphasized that Lt. Hichilema received no special treatment. To avoid bias from instructors, he trained under a different name and lived under the same conditions as other cadets, sharing meals, dormitories, and participating fully in bush exercises.

Lt. Hichilema reportedly faced disciplinary measures when warranted, dug his own trench during field training, and only revealed his identity after commissioning.

The PS noted that Lt. Hichilema earned the respect of his peers through humility, resilience, and hard work, exemplifying the ZNS motto: “To Train the Willing and Unwilling.”

Diamond TV

Thabo Kawana writes….

Fellow citizens;

This morning alongside Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Mr. Mambo Hamaundu and officers from the Zambia National Service (ZNS), we held a joint press briefing.

Our joint press briefing follows some misinformation that was being spread on various social media platforms, after some people learned that the President’s son was one of the several Zambians commissioned as ZNS officers, a few days ago.

Below are the highlights;

✅ Lt. Habwela Hichilema successfully attended the Officers Selection Board, a legal requirement for becoming an Officer. These are interviews that include physical exams, medical exams, oral and written exams. If one fails any of these, such a one is excluded from undergoing training. 

✅ He was not given any special treatment and went through the standard training process. As a matter of fact, he never trained as a Hichilema. He was given a training name to ensure that the instructors did not get intimidated or prefer special treatment upon him.

✅ He shared the same experience as his fellow officer cadets, including meals and training.

✅ Lt. Habwela Hichilema willingly participated in the training process, reflecting the motto of ‘To Train the willing and unwilling.”

✅ He received disciplinary measures like his colleagues when necessary.

✅ Lt. Habwela Hichilema lived and conducted himself like any other Officer Cadet in the provided accommodations. Which a cubic accommodating four officer cadets.

✅ He participated in all training activities, including bush exercises, with the same dedication as his fellow officer cadets.

✅ During the bush exercise, he dug his own trench like all the other cadets and slept in it for one week. The depth of the trench is the full height of the trainee, with raised arms. 

✅ Throughout the training, Lt. Habwela Hichilema did not display any special treatment or privilege as the President’s son.

✅ He earned respect through his humility and good attitude. Instructors and some fellow officer cadets only got to know that Lt Hichilema was the President’s son after he was commissioned. 

✅ He cooperated with the Corp of Instructors and did not cause any issues during his training. Lt. Habwela Hichilema showed an easy-going personality and a strong work ethic.

✅ He demonstrated toughness, hard work, and determination throughout the rigorous military training, embracing the challenges involved.

✅ On 25th August, 2025 we shall be having medicals for the 1092 identified individuals.

✅ Those who successfully pass the medical tests   will proceed to commence the ZNS Voluntary Training

✅ It is our anticipation that training should commence by September 1, 2025 and training will be undertaken at Chiwoko in Katete, Chishimba camp in Kasama and in Kitwe.

✅ Basic military training, agriculture and national values and principles will be compulsory.

Thabo Kawana
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Information and Media