HH SHOULD RULE UNTIL 2031
…but it’s his choice – Veronica Mukuni
By Edwin Mbulo in Kazungula
I PERSONALLY want HH to rule up to 2031, says senior chief Mukuni’s wife Veronica.
Queen Veronica, who is traditionally referred to as the Mukalya, says whoever succeeds President Hakainde Hichilema should adopt his unity and peacebuilding acts.
Reflecting on this year’s Bene Mukuni Traditional Ceremony held at Simukale Shrine which was graced by the Head of State, the Mukalya said President Hichilema’s humility is amazing.
“He like me were incarcerated over flimsy charges which did not warrant cell detention. And I am amazed at the mud being thrown against him. I have not heard of anyone who has been detained at an unknown location and denied visitation from lawyers or family members as was the norm just last year,” she said. “I personally want him rule up to 2031 but that is the democratic right of all Zambians and his personal choice if he wants to defend his presidency in 2026. But with him in office for two terms it will be a game changer for the Zambians youth, the poor rural woman, and men who need a better life. His leadership has already shown a good beginning for our diverse cultural heritage as a country.”
Veronica noted that President Hichilema had not taken personal revenge against those that harassed him.
“He is instead day-in and day-out preaching love, peace and unity. He wants a youth not to be a criminal like what we had last year with some youths adopting movie-like names such as commander. I want my children, my subjects and all Zambians never to be treated based on their tribe or whom they want to support politically,” she said. “So my dream is to have a Zambia that is free of cadres in markets, bus stations and to do this I want whoever will succeed HH to adopt his unity and peacebuilding acts. We are one people living in diversity.”
Veronica thanked all traditional leaders who made it to the Bene Mukuni Traditional Ceremony last Saturday and the government for support.
She added that the ceremony was very peaceful without any signs of caderism or party regalia.
“Everyone interacted as Zambians. Only the police were giving instructions so as to maintain peace and order. To this end I appeal to all Zambians to embrace a culture of unity and peace for the sake of posterity. Our grandchildren will not forgive us if we don’t embrace peace and unity. Let’s work hard, thinking of them every day,” said Veronica.
“If you are against this unity and peace, which is against tribalism, I will challenge you to show me a family which has only one or two tribes in their line up from mother, father, nieces, uncles, grandchildren, cousins and in-laws.”