PRESS STATEMENT
SECRETARY TO CABINET PATRICK KANGWA’S DIRECTIVE IS UNLAWFUL; DISPLAYING THE PRESIDENTIAL PORTRAIT IS VOLUNTARY- Kasonde Mwenda C. EFF-President
27th December 2024
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), representing the interests of the Zambian people, vehemently condemn the recent directive issued by Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, dated 23rd December 2024. This directive mandates private businesses and public sector offices to purchase and display the revised Presidential portrait of Mr. Hakainde Hichilema by 1st January 2025.
We categorically state that Mr. Kangwa’s directive is both legally unfounded and economically burdensome. Zambia operates under the rule of law, and there exists no legislation compelling any private or public entity to display the Presidential portrait. This practice is purely customary, intended to inform the public about the nation’s leadership, but it is not mandated by law. Consequently, there are no penalties for failing to display the President’s portrait.
Imposing such a directive equates to an exploitative, unlawful tax, forcing businesses to incur unnecessary expenses. This is particularly egregious given the current economic challenges faced by many small and medium-sized enterprises in Zambia. The government’s focus should be on alleviating poverty and reducing the cost of doing business, not on enforcing non-existent laws that serve as fundraising ventures at the expense of hardworking entrepreneurs.
We urge the ‘New Dawn’ government to redirect its efforts towards reviving our collapsing economy. This can be achieved by eliminating unnecessary costs and bureaucratic hurdles that hinder business operations. The EFF stands with the Zambian people in rejecting this unlawful directive and calls for its immediate retraction.
Wherever we want to go our feet will take us there.
Issued by:
Kasonde Mwenda C
President, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
He has every right to give that directive to the Public sector. And I suspect that was what his circular said.
Now you expect us to believe you Mwenda when you report the same circular in such small font its not legible.
Mudala iwe ulibe vo chita ka? Ndiye ma opposition that Chikoya was talking about na bu fontini buliko…
There must be better things to do than forcing people to put up pictures of the president. This is some archaic, socialist BS that has been happening for too long.
I have never seen this outside of Africa. Maybe in China?
If I was a business, I would not waste hard earned money on portraits.
Focus on what matters.
Agreed.
I would never display Hakainde’s portrait anywhere, ever. Let him display it at Community House so that his wife and children can see it. This applies to future presidents, as well. I would never display their portrait.
Vote wisely in 2026.
Like it or Not HH iis Republican President. Enjoying the overall powers.
Display it or not he remains your President. Unless you want to change citizenship.
Even J J Banda. Kaiser Zulu. Chilufya Tayali and the so called Tyrol HH is your President.
Unfortunately it is not negotiable.
Fimba upoke!
Olo mulembe ma labishi,
HH and UPND paka 20 sate 1 and beyond.
Because your as never traveled
Your?
Who told you that Presidential Portrait is for displaying in your home, Sir? It is for those with offices, not you. You don’t have an office.
Indigo’s hatred for HH is almost drowning him. Only his nose is kept above the hatred level. I wonder how he will prevent drowning given that 2031 is 6 years away! There’s not even any guarantee for him that UPND will be out of power after 2031. Someone needs to throw a floater tube at him!
Indongo, we will give you same amount of silver pieces that other greedy guy had.for your reward.