By Mwansa Kaumba
We’ve held elections and seen smooth transitions of leadership, with the spirit of One Zambia One Nation keeping us united through every challenge, says President Hakainde Hichilema.
In his message marking Zambia’s 62 years of Independence, President Hichilema reflected on the country’s journey with pride, stating that under the country’s One Zambia, One Nation, One People motto, the nation had walked the path of peace, unity, stability and progress.
He stated that schools had been built, hospitals, roads, airports and power stations.
”At 62, we reflect on our journey with pride. Under our motto, One Zambia, One Nation, One People, we have walked the path of peace, unity, stability and progress. We have built schools, hospitals, roads, airports and power stations,” President Hichilema stated. “We have held elections and seen smooth transitions of leadership. Through every challenge, the spirit of One Zambia, One Nation, One People, has kept us united.”
The President stated that Zambia achieved the sovereign right to define its own destiny, and we began a journey to build a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
He honoured the courage and sacrifice of independence heroes and heroines, including founding president Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Alexander Grey Zulu, Humphrey Mulemba, Nalumino Mundia, Mama Julia Chikamoneka, Mama Betty Chilombo Chilunga, among others.
”As we reflect on our growth, we celebrate our citizens as a smart hard-working people,” President Hichilema stated. “The resilience of our farmers, the hard work of our miners, the creativity of our youth, the courage of our armed forces, the resourcefulness of our women, and the tenacity of our entrepreneurs.”
President Hichilema stated that the country’s ultimate focus was now its future, stating that the grow Zambia agenda moved the country from economic stabilisation to accelerated growth.
”We want to produce more maize, more wheat and more copper. We are generating more electricity, attracting more tourists and facilitating more exports, all while safeguarding the vulnerable and building strong institutions,” President Hichilema stated. “We are a family made up of unique cultures from all corners of our country, but united as one country. When we face challenges, we do not break. We come together.”
He saluted the youth as they fought for the country’s independence and our democracy, and today were the backbone of the economy, its innovators and leaders.
”Zambia is blessed with abundant natural resources. Let us protect them and use them sustainably for present and future generations,” President Hichilema stated. “We stood tall through every storm. Let us now look to the future with confidence, and recommit ourselves to hard and smart work, discipline, integrity and service. We are a nation that continues to build, to reform and to rise together.”
He urged the nation to celebrate its independence anniversary with joy and unity, urging that the celebrations must be in the spirit of peace and responsibility.
