By Francis Chipalo
The much-publicised K700 across-the-board increment for civil servants is, regrettably, a mockery of the very people who keep this country running, Kanyama aspiring member of parliament, Chris Changwereza has observed.
In a statement, Changwereza observed that if government was sincere about easing the burden on civil servants, the increment should have been tax-free, or at the very least set at a meaningful figure,no less than K1,500 across the board.
Changwereza says surviving as a civil servant in Zambia is not just difficult, but humiliatingly exhausting, as majority public workers survive on loans.
“People are working full time yet living hand-to-mouth, drowning in debt, school fees, rentals, transport costs, and ever-rising food prices. This is not dignity, it is an injustice that need to be stopped,” he said.
Meanwhile, Changwereza has officially announced his intentions to run for MP for Kanyama, having done the same in previous elections.
“It is against this background and driven by deep conviction that I declare my intention to contest the Kanyama Constituency parliamentary seat, either on a political party ticket that my people will advise me to take, or as an independent candidate, guided solely by the will and interests of my constituents,” he said.
Changwereza says he is determined to redeem the people of Kanyama from the shackles of poverty, not through slogans, but through deliberate, accountable, and people-centred leadership.
“One of my firm commitments is that CDF must benefit the real families of Kanyama,not briefcase beneficiaries, not outsiders, not political cadres parachuted from elsewhere,” he said.
And Changwereza observed the a smaller, and more defined constituency would make it easier to serve more effectively should Kanyama be divided under the anticipated delimitation exercise.
“Kanyama does not need sympathy, but needs representation that is authentic, fearless, and rooted in lived experience. Leadership that speaks truth to power. Leadership that does not visit only during campaigns,” he added.
