By Francis Chipalo
Democratic Union President Ackim Antony Njobvu says President Hakainde Hichilema deserves to be honoured for free education, but not by renaming Simon Mwewa Lane Market.
In a Facebook post, Njobvu said the free education policy is President Hichilema’s real legacy and should be the basis for any honour.
“Why not honour President Hakainde Hichilema for free education? That policy has put millions of children back in class. That is legacy. That is what changed Zambia,” Njobvu said.
He said over 2 million learners returned to school after fees were scrapped, easing pressure on parents and giving vulnerable children a chance.
“That’s the honour. Build a new school and call it ‘HH Free Education Secondary.’ Name a new hospital ward after him.”
Njobvu argued that renaming Simon Mwewa Lane Market instead is “a miss and wrong” because it erases history.
“The market has nothing to do with the popular Simon Mwewa Lane TV. It is named after _Simon Chushi Mwewa_ — the first Zambian Mayor of Lusaka, 1960-1962, and later Governor of Lusaka,” he said.
Mwewa took over from the colonial administration when it was not fashionable to be African and in charge. “He fought for a clean city, for order, for dignity. He built the foundation Lusaka stands on today. Some fight to erase him now. Bushe ni jealous? Olo bwanji?”
Njobvu said both leaders can be honoured without deleting history. “We respect the President. We also respect Simon Chushi Mwewa. Lusaka’s history is not too long. Rename a new road, not an old memory.”
Latest development is that Local government minister Gift Sialubalo has reversed the decision by the Lusaka City Council to rename the market.
