Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambians have not enjoyed the emancipation they are meant to be celebrating as the nation joins the rest of the African continent in commemorating African Freedom Day.
In his statement ahead of the commemoration of African Freedom Day which falls on 25th May, Mr. Hichilema says 54 years after independence Zambia’s social and economic sectors are showing a negative trend.
He further laments that the development of infrastructure and human capital is not commensurate with the rich natural resources the nation is endowed with.
The UPND Leader says 54 years after independence there is no company in Zambia that manufactures matches, yet this is an essential commodity needed in all Zambian homes.
Mr. Hichilema adds that while there are salt pans in Chiengi district of Luapula Province, all the salt sold in shops is imported.
He says Zambia is as it is today because of the aggregate failure of the leaders whose preoccupation has been to enrich themselves, using their newfound power to settle political scores and the short-sightedness of giving jobs to their cronies.
Mr. Hichilema states that the nation should celebrate African freedom day with gratitude to the selflessness and vision of the founding fathers.
He says the founding fathers strived for the country with a steadfastness and stubborn patriotism that is not seen today.
The UPND President says citizens should not be wallowing in poverty when the nation has the natural resources that some countries can only dream of.