ZNUT URGES PRESIDENT HICHILEMA TO CRISS-CROSS MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
By Fulman Mukobeko
LUSAKA– Zambia
National Union of Teachers (ZNUT) General Secretary Muvwanjilanji Siwila says it is encouraging for the Ministry of Education that the same Government has bounced back, and has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to criss-cross his ministerial appointments in an effort to promote national unity.
And Mr. Siwila says the 2027 National Budget must critically address issues of teachers’ rural hardship allowances and terminal benefits.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Siwila said President Hichilema should emulate Dr. Kenneth Kaunda who promoted the spirit of One Zambia One Nation by appointing ministers across tribal and regional lines.
“It is very encouraging for the Ministry of Education that the Government that was there has bounced back under the same leadership of President Hichilema, and our expectation is that in the first 100 days, he is going to appoint a new Cabinet. If his ministers can be criss-crossed, it can help Zambia to be more united. For instance, an MP who is elected in Solwezi, North Western Province, can be appointed Minister in Luapula Province. The one who is elected MP in Luapula Province can be taken to Southern Province as Provincial Minister. From North Western Province to Northern Province, from Northern Province to Southern Province, from Southern to Western Province, from Western to Eastern Province, from Eastern to Central, from Central Province to the Copperbelt, the way it was under the United National Independence Party (UNIP). That promoted the spirit of One Zambia One Nation,” he said.
Mr. Siwila said as long as Members of Parliament are confined to their respective provinces of origin, national healing will not take place.
He said following the August 13 General Elections, people would move forward as One Zambia One Nation.
Mr. Siwila said people should not be boxed into segments of tribal balance and regionalism.
Meanwhile, Mr. Siwila said the 2027 National budget must address the issue of terminal benefits and rural hardship allowances to ease the burden on teachers and learners.
He regretted that some teachers have retired but have not been paid their terminal benefits, while some teachers who are still active and serving in rural areas have not been paid rural hardship allowances.
“…through negotiations with the Government that has bounced back, we expect something to change. Terminal benefits will provide a lot of assistance to people that have served in Government,” he stated.