*CHIEF MBURUMA CALLS FOR TOLERANCE, AS M’MEMBE PROMISES TO RESTORE TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY POWERS*

Luangwa, Monday (April 29, 2024)
MEDIA STATEMENT

Senior Chief Mburuma of Luangwa District, Lusaka Province, has called for tolerance at family level to enhance national unity.

Speaking when Socialist Party-SP- President Fred M’membe paid a courtesy call on him in Luangwa, the Traditional Leader said he was disturbed by a recent incident in his Chiefdom where a family member strangled his fellow to death during a drinking spree.

The Chief said there is need to always remember that human beings, good or bad, are created in the image of God, hence the need to love one another.

He thanked Dr. M’membe for the courtesy call adding that he was welcome to campaign for his Candidate in the May 2, 2034, by election.

On Thursday, 2nd May 2024, by-election polls will be held in Luangwa Ward in Chama District of Eastern Province, Munwa Ward in Chienge District of Luapula Province, Kaunga Ward in Luangwa District of Lusaka Province, Kaela Ward in Lupososhi District of Northern Province, Chikenge Ward in Kabompo District of North Western Province, Malala Ward in Chikankata District of Southern Province, Luumbo Wards in Gwembe District of Southern Province and Ndanda Ward in Limulunga District of Western Province.

Meanwhile, Socialist Party -SP- President Fred M’membe said his party will restore traditional authority to it’s initial stages.

“Like you indicated, you used to rule properly before independence then Colonial Rulers grabbed some powers from you but left you with some power,” he said.

Dr. M’membe said politicians took away all the powers from chiefs immediately Zambia got independence in 1964.

“Your Party is saying that politicians by themselves cannot rule this country and liberate the people from the jaws of poverty. We do not want to just change the party in power but to change the way we govern. We want chiefs to get back to ruling the country as it used to be together with Clergymen and women,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said politicians have failed to run the country effectively in the last 60 years.

“Even in England where we copy governance from, there is a king and a queen. They also have the Church of England. They have the House of Lords. All these are from the English Traditional Authority. Then they have West Minister where they choose politicians and the Prime Minister. That is how they govern themselves. But here in Zambia, we have given all the powers to politicians to rule. Politicians on their own cannot rule. Even us if you elect us on our own, we cannot manage to free people from poverty if you as chiefs are not involved in national leadership. We want village headmen and sub chiefs to equally rule properly,” he said.

Dr. M’membe said village headmen are currently not on payroll and have since lost respect because they have no powers.

“Even the Ward Development Committees that are there now are just undermining traditional leadership. We want to get back to the roots. We want to rule together as politicians, traditional leaders, the clergy and other leaders. We can achieve a lot if we put our heads together,” he said.

The SP President said he would be the first President of Zambia from the Traditional Authority if elected in the 2026 general election.

“I am also from the traditional authority. I am the only Mwika Mukulu remaining. Dr. Kaunda was not from the traditional leadership, Dr. Chiluba was not, Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda, even Sata,” he said.

This is contained in a statement issued by SP Director Media, Brian Hapunda.
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