Economic Independence Is What We Are Striving For – President Hichilema
President Hakainde Hichilema says the best way to honour freedom fighters is to ease economic hardships among Zambians. The President was speaking during an Independence Day investiture ceremony at State House today.
President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique graced the occasion whose theme was “61 years of peace and unity: building a resilient and prosperous Zambia.” President Hichilema said part of his conversation with President Chapo was around the need to have a direct power interconnector between Mozambique and Zambia for efficient movement of power. “That’s a promise to our freedom fighters, and that’s our commitment to the people of Zambia. We share your burden of load-shedding in our homes, businesses such as salons, barbershops … That’s why we have made a decision to allow more power to be available to those people who depend, for their livelihoods, on salons, barbershops and welding shops outside their house,” said President Hichilema.
At the same event, President Hichilema posthumously honoured veteran broadcaster Charles Mando with the Order of the Eagle, third division, in recognition of his significant contribution to the broadcasting industry. Prominent mining engineer Sixtus Mulenga was given the Order of Distinguished Service, first division for being a pioneering indigenous investor in the mining sector.
Bruce Mwape, who is former Zambia National Soccer Women’s Team, was honoured for his excellence during the period he was in charge of the team. The veteran football coach received the President’s Insignia of Meritorious Achievement.
Another person, among others, who was honoured is Bellingtone Mwape, a Power Tools driver whose quick and correct decision-making saved the lives of 57 people who he was transporting from Lusaka to Kitwe on August 29, 2025.
On his part, President Chapo commended the Zambian people and the government for commemorating October 24 – a historic day that represents more than six decades of sovereignty, dignity and progress. “I thank you my dear brother, President Hakainde Hichilema, for the invitation and for the warm hospitality my delegation and I have enjoyed,” he said. President Chapo also said there is solid friendship and African brotherhood that bonds Zambia and Mozambique. “I can state without any fear of mistake that today we celebrate not only a milestone in Zambian history but an event which inspired the whole of the African continent,” President Chapo said. He further said the courage and vision of Zambia’s first president, Kenneth Kaunda left a profound legacy for Zambia and the entire Africa. “Under Dr Kaunda’s leadership, Zambia hosted and supported the Mozambique liberation front fighters, providing them with shelter and solidarity,” said President Chapo.