President Hakainde Hichilema has called for proper and effective documentation of the country’s history.

President Hichilema notes that it is important that the history of Zambia is properly recorded in order for the future generation to come and appreciate the country’s heritage and the history behind its independence struggle.

The President said this when he graced the Samu Lya Moomba traditional ceremony of the Tonga – Ila people at the Samu Lya Moomba Heritage site grounds in Monze District of Southern Province.

ZANIS reports that President Hichilema stressed that every part of the country that has a significance to the independence struggle must be properly recorded.

“We can only say thank you to our forefathers and thank you to everyone who contributed in one way or the other including bringing cattle to attain the country’s independence.

It is 60 years down the line, and this history of Samu Lya Moomba was almost taken out of the history of Zambia. I urge the people to record our history properly for the future generation to understand how independence came about, galvanizing resources and mobilization to allow Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Harry Mwanga Nkumbula, Kenneth Kaunda, Changufu and others to escape litching from colonialists,” he said.

Among other things, the President appealed to Zambians to embrace hard work as compared to depending on handouts.

He further urged all Zambians to promote unity and peace and to practice tolerance towards each other.

And President Hichilema has warned those in public offices against stealing money and other resources that are meant for the people of Zambia.

“I urge all our people to embrace hard work and not to depend on handouts. The government is doing its part and everyone must do their part. No one will die of hunger that’s what we have said. Please let’s cooperate in this area.

“Do not steal money for the people, MPs, Mayors, Town Clerks, Ministers, Councilors and all those in public offices. That money belongs to the people of Zambia. The law will catch up with you and you will be on your own,” he cautioned.

The President also urged traders not to exploit the people of Zambia by selling to them the Zambia National Service mealie meal at a higher price.

The Head of State has advised that the ZNS mealie meal should not be sold at more than K230. 

“This is a year of hunger and government has intervened by ensuring that ZNS produces cheap mealie meal which is affordable.

“The message to traders is that the ZNS mealie meal should be sold at K230 and not more than that. Let us help government with the interventions it is making to help the people to survive,” Mr Hichilema stated.

In his remarks, Chief Choongo through his Representative, Charles Nakooze noted that the Samu Lya Moomba traditional ceremony is not just important to the people of Southern Province but that it is an event for everyone.

The traditional leader expressed gratitude to everyone that attended the ceremony for their support.

“This ceremony is not just a regional ceremony but for all Zambians because of the nature of work that was done here at a tree that was relevant to the country’s independence in 1964.

“It is also a symbol of national unity, promoting the One Zambia, One Nation motto,” he said.

Chief Choongo added that his subjects are pleased with the efforts that the government has been putting in place to promote peace and order in the country.

He said peace and order are a prerequisite to any country desiring to achieve meaningful development.

“I am grateful to everyone that has attended this ceremony today including all the royal highnesses and political leaders.

This ceremony is not just a regional event but for all Zambians because of its significance to the country’s independence struggle. It is a symbol of peace and unity,” he stated. 

Southern Province Minister, Credo Nanjuwa, thanked the President for gracing the event noting that his presence is a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to upholding the country’s cultural heritage.

Mr Nanjuwa further appreciated the vital role that the Samu Lya Moomba grounds played towards the country’s attainment of independence.

He said he was happy with the support that traditional ceremonies in his province keep receiving adding that about 64 chiefs from within and across the country attended the event.

“We would like to thank you Mr President for coming to grace the event. Your presence here shows your commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage which is vital for the people of Zambia,” he said.

And Samu Lya Moomba Organising Committee Chairperson, Jasper Simanego, indicated that the traditional ceremony is unique as it marks 60 years of independence for the country.

Mr Simanego said the people of Choongo are grateful that the country has remained a beacon of peace since independence when other countries are faced with various conflicts.

He further lobbied President Hichilema and government to ensure that the needed infrastructure is built at the heritage site for the future generations to learn from it.

“The Samu Lya Moomba ceremony is unique because it marks the 60 years of independence as a country.

“I am optimistic that with the declaration of the ceremony as a national event, resources will be mobilised to put up the much needed infrastructure for the future generation to come and learn history from it,” he stated.

Meanwhile at the same event, the traditional leadership took advantage of the platform to launch the Climate Change Adaptation Initiative.

House of Chiefs Chairperson, Chief Nkambo said he is optimistic that the initiative will help address the many challenges that the people in the chiefdom face due to climate change.

Chief Nkambo noted that the dams in the area are still dry and the situation has largely affected the animals.

“I wish to bring it to your attention that the dams here are still dry and it has affected the animals especially that the area is a large farming community, making the matter to be of grave concern,” he said.

The traditional leader however stated that he is aware that government through the Ministry of Water and Sanitation Development has come up with measures to ensure that no one is left behind.

“We are happy that in all these development policies, Chief Choongo’s Chiefdom has not been left out,” he said.

The Chief also called on other traditional leaders to emulate Chief Choongo by launching climate change initiatives in their chiefdoms as well.