PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema’s son, Habwela, is among the newly commissioned Zambia National Service (ZNS) officers who passed out on Friday.
State House Chief Communication Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, said President Hichilema has led by example by enlisting his son in the first batch of the Voluntary National Service military training under the auspices of ZNS.
In a statement, Mr Hamasaka said the programme is open to all who meet the entry requirements, adding that it is designed to equip trainees with essential life skills.
“Habwela has successfully completed his training and was among the officers commissioned during the pass-out parade held in Kafue on Friday, 15 August 2025,” Mr Hamasaka said.
He added that the President has been transparent about the development, underscoring his firm belief in national duty, discipline, and service, noting that there was no better way to demonstrate this than by enlisting a close family member.
Mr Hamasaka said by subjecting his own child to the rigours of ZNS training, the Head of State had demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the values of patriotism, discipline, and sacrifice that he encourages in the nation’s youth.
“This act is a clear example of leadership by action, demonstrating that true responsibility to one’s country is not about material rewards or privileges, but rather a willingness to contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s progress through duty, character, and resilience,” he said.
Mr Hamasaka further said the Head of State reiterates his call to all young people to embrace opportunities that build character, resilience, and discipline, as these qualities are essential not only for building a stronger, prosperous, and united nation but also for the pursuit of individual life goals and aspirations
MEDIA STATEMENT
President Hichilema’s son completes ZNS training programme
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has led by example through his son Habwela by enlisting him in the first batch of the VOLUNTARY national service military training under the auspices of Zambia National Service (ZNS).
The programme is open to all who meet the entry requirements. This initiative is to equip trainees with various life skills.
Habwela has successfully completed his training and was among the officers commissioned during the pass-out parade held in Kafue on Friday, 15 August 2025.
The President has been open and transparent about this development, underscoring his firm belief in national duty, discipline, and service, and what a better way than to enlist a close family member.
By subjecting his own child to the rigours of the ZNS training programme, the Head of State has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the values of patriotism, discipline, and sacrifice that he encourages in the nation’s youth.
This act is a clear example of leadership by action, demonstrating that true responsibility to one’s country is not about material rewards or privileges, but rather by a willingness to contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s progress through duty, character, and resilience.
The Head of State reiterates his call to all young people to embrace opportunities that build character, resilience, and discipline, as these qualities are not only essential for building a stronger, prosperous and united nation but are also important in the pursuit of individual life goals and aspirations.
Issued by:
Clayson Hamasaka
Chief Communications Specialist
State House
Lusaka
Well done young man for completing ZNS training. Will your sisters Miyanda and Chichi also go for ZNS training? Miyanda is married, so she might not attend. But your half sister Chichi could attend.
VOTE FOR CHANGE IN 2026.
Absolute trash. 2Lt Habwela Hichilema is a graduate entrant. I don’t know why he’s being picked on. He’s an adult and therefore has a life independent of his father. Had the PF been in power, Habwela would never have been allowed to join ZNS with the name he carries.
It’s fine for Habwela Hichilema to do Zambia National Service Training and graduate as 2nd Lieutenant. He is a Zambian Citizen and if he meets the entry qualifications, he can do any training offered in Zambia.
It’s really no big deal. A lot of graduates from UNZA , CBU etc are joining Zambia National Service as Engineers, Accountants etc.
The problem is Hamasaka ‘s propaganda..
It’s like for a President ‘s son to join ZNS is an extra ordinary feat by Mr Hakainde Hichilema, a first in Zambia from creation.
I remember Kenneth Kaunda ‘s Children Colonel Panji Kaunda and Major Wezi Kaunda were military men.
Let the young man 2nd Lieutenant Habwela Hichilema pursue his career in the National Service if that’s his calling.
Even us in our youth days, our parents allowed us to go for outward bounds in mbala …and the initiation rites of some tribes have some form of life skills training in their Syllabus. It’s really no big deal.