Several prominent figures from President Hakainde Hichilema’s previous Cabinet are absent from the ministerial appointments announced on Wednesday, October 28, as the President assembles his second-term administration following the August general election.
Among the familiar names are former Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa, former Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi, former Lands Minister Sylvia Masebo, former Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe and former Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga.
Also absent are former Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri, former Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba and former Community Development Minister Doreen Mwamba.
However, the circumstances surrounding their absence differ. Masebo lost her Chongwe East parliamentary seat, Kabuswe was defeated in Chililabombwe, and Chipoka Mulenga lost in Chingola West during the August elections.
Mweetwa, on the other hand, retained his Choma Central parliamentary seat but has not returned to the Information and Media portfolio, which has been assigned to Elvis Nkandu.
The changes come as Hichilema reorganises government following Parliament’s approval of 30 ministries, with several former ministers returning in new portfolios and others yet to receive appointments.
Although some prominent figures have been left out of the appointments announced so far, it remains possible that additional names could return as the remaining positions are filled.