I’m not entitled to be appointed to Cabinet – Mweetwa
IMMEDIATE past Minister of Information and media Cornelius Mweetwa says he has no sense of entitlement to be appointed to Cabinet, stating that President Hakainde Hichilema has the constitutional authority to choose individuals he believes are best suited to serve in government.
Mweetwa said no Member of Parliament has an automatic right to a ministerial position, adding that the President is at liberty to constitute his Cabinet based on national interests, skills and other considerations provided for under the Constitution.
“I don’t have a sense of entitlement to be appointed by the President in the midst of members of Parliament,” Mweetwa said.
Mweetwa also said there is no basis for suggesting that he has been fired or deliberately excluded, as the previous Cabinet was dissolved following the general election and the President was constitutionally required to constitute a new team.
“Just like in football, when you are starting a new season, you can’t expect the coach to start with the last lineup of last season. He has to bring in new plans, new ideas, new energies,” Mweetwa said.
He added that all MPs are equal under the Constitution, regardless of whether they entered Parliament through an election, nomination or proportional representation and that none was more entitled to a ministerial appointment than another
Mweetwa also dismissed claims that his absence from Cabinet is linked to alleged political dealings with former UPND members or the opposition, including suggestions that he intended to form another political party with former ministers.
He described the allegations as political fallacies, insisting that he remains committed to the ruling party and President Hichilema’s leadership.
“I have one party that I belong to, the UPND, and I have one President that I support,” he said.
Mweetwa, who is also Choma Central Member of Parliament, expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for giving him the opportunity to serve as Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson for five years under the previous Cabinet.
He said the experience had taught him much about the President’s passion for growing the economy and improving the livelihoods of Zambians.
“I remain solidly and resolutely behind and in support of President Hichilema, his Cabinet and administration,” he said.
Mweetwa further urged UPND members, including those who lost in the 2026 general elections, to remain united and support the President’s Grow Zambia Agenda, while calling on citizens to use social media to promote constructive national conversations and national unity.
By Kalemba