Why Has President Hakainde Decided to Stay at His Private Residence Instead of State House?- Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma

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Why Has President Hakainde Decided to Stay at His Private Residence Instead of State House?

By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma

For some time, many Zambians have been wondering why President Hakainde Hichilema has chosen to live in his private residence, known as “Community House,” instead of moving into State House—the official and traditional residence for Zambia’s sitting presidents. State House is not just a residence; it stands as a historical and symbolic home for Zambia’s leaders, a reminder of continuity, accountability, and unity. So, what is it about President Hakainde’s situation that makes him feel he should bypass this national legacy? Could this decision be interpreted as disregard for the symbolism and trust associated with the office? And, crucially, what does this choice mean for citizens who now find themselves funding the security for a private residence?

What is State House, and Why Does It Matter?

State House holds a special place in Zambia’s identity. It’s not simply an address; it’s a national institution, a public asset, and a symbol of democratic leadership. It’s where presidents have traditionally carried out their duties, hosted national events, and engaged with the public. Every Zambian citizen, regardless of their background, knows that State House represents the highest office in the land—a place where their president resides to conduct the business of the people.

By opting to stay at Community House, President Hichilema raises concerns about what this departure from tradition signifies. State House has long been equipped and maintained specifically for the president’s security, comfort, and official responsibilities. So, what makes the president bypass it for his private home? Is this decision an instance of personal preference taking priority over the integrity of the office? Many are left wondering if this move truly honors the office and respects the people of Zambia.

Who Bears the Cost of Securing Community House?

The choice to live outside State House raises an immediate question of security and financial responsibility. State House is a secure, fortified location, optimized over decades for the president’s safety. But with President Hichilema staying at Community House, significant resources must now be diverted to secure a private residence. This includes deploying additional security personnel, potentially upgrading infrastructure, and even extending monitoring measures in the surrounding neighborhood to meet security standards.

But here’s the key question: should Zambian citizens bear the cost of securing a private residence when a perfectly secure and official one is readily available? At a time when many citizens are facing economic challenges, allocating state funds to secure a private home feels like an undue burden on taxpayers—one that many argue could easily be avoided by using State House, which is already secured and budgeted for.

Is This Setting a New Precedent?

President Hichilema’s decision could set a worrying precedent for future leaders. If the current president can live at a private residence and still demand state-funded security, what prevents future leaders from doing the same? This could result in each successive president claiming separate security arrangements for their own private homes, which would be neither sustainable nor financially responsible.

If this becomes standard practice, it could lead to a fragmentation of executive security and resources, weakening the institution of the presidency and potentially diluting the symbolic power of State House. State House exists as a centralized place for the president to govern, but if that tradition erodes, so too could the sense of stability and unity it represents.

The Need for Transparency and Accountability

Zambians deserve to know the reasoning behind this unconventional choice, particularly when it moves away from long-standing tradition. Transparency in governance is critical, and this includes explaining major decisions that impact public resources and national symbols. While any president might have personal preferences, public service requires a commitment to the responsibilities and traditions that come with the role.

When a leader makes a choice that affects the nation as a whole, citizens deserve a clear explanation. Staying outside of State House might come across as a personal preference that overlooks the symbolic and practical functions of the office. By residing at State House, a president not only upholds tradition but also reinforces their commitment to serving the people with full transparency, accessibility, and respect for the office.

Does This Reflect a Disregard for National Symbols?

State House is more than a grand building; it is an emblem of Zambia’s democratic journey, a place that unites the country under one leader. By choosing not to reside there, President Hichilema might unintentionally suggest that he holds this national institution in low regard. State House was not created simply for convenience—it was established as an enduring symbol of our shared leadership and national unity.

When a president chooses a private home over State House, it may prompt citizens to question what other elements of Zambian heritage and responsibility could be overlooked. Symbols matter, and when a leader resides in the people’s house, they show respect not only for tradition but for the Zambian people themselves.

A Call for Consideration and Clarity

The choice of residence for any sitting president is more than a matter of personal comfort; it’s a public decision with implications for security, national unity, and financial responsibility. President Hichilema’s decision may have valid reasons, but it is crucial that he communicates these to the public. Clarity on this issue would affirm his commitment to transparency and ensure citizens understand the implications of such a significant choice.

In the end, while personal comfort is understandable, a president’s duty to the office and the people must take precedence. Residing in State House not only aligns with the dignity and respect of the office but also symbolizes the unity and trust between the president and the nation. State House is not merely a place to live—it is a national asset, a home for every sitting president, and a place that belongs to all Zambians.

17 COMMENTS

  1. HH is naive and arrogant and by so doing in moving away from an important conventions such as this one, he is just showing a bad side to himself that we already all knew. Coming into the top position HH always thought that he was better every Zambia but obviously, he wasn’t . It’s a shame that people like HH will only have to be accountable after they leave presidency. This also is in total conflict to what HH preached before he became president. We thought that we were voting for change to the way things were done in the past but obviously we have stayed where, if not moved backwards, with HH and we now have to look for another to change the country’s discourse. HH has been a disappointment on many fronts and the Zambians are disappointed.

    • First of all, there is no law mandating a president to live at statehouse, it’s just a custom practiced so there is no law broken by president HH by not residing at state house. Secondly, president HH is not the only president to consider state house no to fit for the purpose, late former president M.C. Sata only shifted to reside at state house after over 6 months in office. As for the late former president Rupiah B. Banda, he wanted to build a new state house but his plans were opposed that is why he did not proceed with those plans. Thirdly, is it more important for a president to reside at state house or his performance at his/her job regardless of where they reside?

  2. As long as there is no constitutional requirement for the head of state to operate from the physical State House along Independence Avenue, you are bulaly wasting time. Where ever the head of state goes, the instruments of power vested in that office make that place state house.

    Best you scrutinise his performance. This is what defines the office. Performance, not geographic location. Not sitting in a designated office loaded with wizardry and witchcraft. We know you hired sangomas flomu Mozambique. These wizards confessed their mission. This mission has failed or been thwarted very specifically because HH has not been operating full time at State House.

    Mwa nyala. And you will not get your greedy paws on his house. Get a life.

    Let’s discuss

  3. Iwe kanamayo kabula amano, you are witches and wizards we know you but very shallow minded. Mwalobe lyauma, mwanyala
    Tell us constitutional provisions that say President must be domiciled at State House? You will draw a blank.
    When HH7 told you about lacunae in the constitution you laughed at him and now he’s laughing all the way to the bank because he who laughs last laughs best
    Vote wisely vote for HH7 in 2026/32

  4. I was reading the history of Kenya’s first president Jomo Mzee Kenyatta, he rarely slept in State House, after work, he always drove to his country home and spent a night there. German’s Chancellor Angel Machael never stayed in State House, she remained in her private flat with her husband. So HH is not the only one and has not broken any law

  5. Unless he is living abroad while serving as President, then there is no issue. One former latin president (Jose Mujica) once declared the poorest lived in his village house/farm and never stepped into their state house.

  6. Dear Thandi, your topic holds no special place in critical thinking. HH living at state house would be disastrous as you may well know.
    At the end of their meeting at the late RB’s Residence, this man dips his hand into his jacket inner pocket, grabs something he meant to harm HH with, HH spots the evil intention and refuses to accept the Day light wizardry. He asks for a clean hand.
    Now, that was in public.
    Thandi, tell me what was happening both at your state house and State lodge with no one watching.
    Why have hour PF people been insisting on HH moving info state house? So he could die?
    Tell me what is wrong with him not getting a salary, I will probably hear you.
    Tell me if he is entitled to a house after leaving in 2031 or 2041.
    Tell me if state house is closer to state loge where his security detail mostly comes from.
    Tell me if HH could not afford security Cameras or Helipad in his private life.
    He works from state house and that should comfort you that perhaps some of that planted JUJU might be affecting him.
    Honestly speaking, God has looked after his Child and will continue to do so.
    This topic adds no value to our legacy Ketty.
    Try some topic of value, something like how we could get this country united and eventually out of the mess created by PF.

  7. Dear Thandi, your topic holds no special place in critical thinking. HH living at state house would be disastrous as you may well know.
    At the end of their meeting at the late RB’s Residence, this man dips his hand into his jacket inner pocket, grabs something he meant to harm HH with, HH spots the evil intention and refuses to accept the Day light wizardry. He asks for a clean hand.
    Now, that was in public.
    Thandi, tell me what was happening both at your state house and State lodge with no one watching.
    Why have hour PF people been insisting on HH moving info state house? So he could die?
    Tell me what is wrong with him not getting a salary, I will probably hear you.
    Tell me if he is entitled to a house after leaving in 2031 or 2041.
    Tell me if state house is closer to state loge where his security detail mostly comes from.
    Tell me if HH could not afford security Cameras or Helipad in his private life.
    He works from state house and that should comfort you that perhaps some of that planted JUJU might be affecting him.
    Honestly speaking, God has looked after his Child and will continue to do so.
    This topic adds no value to our legacy Ketty.
    Try some topic of value, something like how we could get this country united and eventually out of the mess created by PF.
    How much have you been paid?

  8. It’s high time someone knocked some sense into this woman. Her article certainly lacks some critical thinking, besides being circuitous. She could have made her point in two paragraphs but because she was thinking in her local language while typing in wordy English, she didn’t realise she was repeating herself. First we had Mushota, and now Her!! Whoever hired her is throwing money down the drain. I salute the big brains for reading her the “riot act”!

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