President Hichilema tells his story; see what education can do

Not for the first time, President Hakainde Hichilema today captivated the audience with his life story, crediting education as the foundation of what he is. The President was speaking when he officiated at the 2025 Zambian Man of the Year award in Lusaka, where he was honoured with the 2025 lifetime achievement.

President Hichilema started his speech by commending Zambian Man of the Year (ZMOTY) founder Chanda Kangwa, otherwise known as Roxy Zambia, for the novel initiative to honour men of excellence.

“I don’t know what drove you to think along those lines. We thank you for just the thought and implementing your thoughts.

“I’m very delighted to notice that these are ideas from our younger members of our community. When you see things like that, then you know the country is going somewhere,” President Hichilema said.

He said the evolution of young people playing different innovative roles in society needs to be cherished.

The President then gave a personal reflection, indicating that he is a rural bred male child who used to run to and from school.

“Rain or no rain, we went to school,” he recalled, and hinted at how he sat for his Grade seven exams at a village school, went to secondary school and then proceeded for the then mandatory national service training.

“Back in the village, the only vision we knew was cattle. That was the preoccupation.”

President Hichilema said based on his Form Five (Grade 12) results, he got a scholarship to go and study at the University of Zambia (UNZA).

“Today I can stand here as President of this country. How can we thank this country called Zambia! See what education can do! See what anyone of us can become!

“This is the greatness of this country. That’s why we have re-introduced the free education policy and that’s why we talk about hardwork; it’s to talk to somebody in this country, region, continent and the world,” he said.

The head of State further said he accepts the lifetime achievement award, on behalf of his wife, children and the people of Zambia, adding that the recognition celebrates Zambians’ shared journey for a better tomorrow.

President Hichilema also said part of the celebration today is the hardwork that is exemplified through what Ms Kangwa has been doing.

He noted that Zambians – men and women – do great things.

“How many times do we celebrate teachers? We are all products of teachers. We celebrate the teachers, nurses who save lives, miners who go underground, tour guides. We celebrate all the citizens of Zambia,” he said.

“I believe that these awards reflect our shared vision as a people. They reflect hardwork, resilience, national unity to get where we want to be,” President Hichilema said.

He also reiterated that the vision of the New Dawn government is to make sure that every Zambian child goes to school, irrespective of their background.

“That’s why when you put us into office, we delivered a life-changing policy of free education. As a consequence of that policy drive, 2.3 million children who were out of school have returned,” said President Hichilema.

Ms Kangwa said the story of President Hichilema continues to remind everyone that resilience, perseverance and faith in purpose: “can carry you from the smallest village to the highest office in the land.”

“Mr President, your life is a masterclass – proof that the Zambian dream is real,” she said.

She added that President Hichilema is “a boy” who worked in the fields, studied with discipline, built a business empire through integrity and hardwork and rose time and time again, despite the storms, to serve the people that he loves.

“Your journey teaches us that true leadership is not inherited; it is earned.

“You have taught us that true greatness is not defined by titles but by impact. Your story belongs to every Zambian who dares to dream,” said Ms Kangwa.

Eight other men were awarded in different categories, with United Capital Fertiliser (UCF) board chairperson Chance Kabaghe bagging the man of the decade award.