Appointment of Chanda Kabwe and Binwell Mpundu as PS and DC respectively cheers youths

By Staff Reporter, Lusaka 

The Patriotic Front Kitwe District has welcomed and applauded President Edgar Chagwa Lungu for yet again fulfilling his campaign promise towards having a youth inclusive government by appointing Mr Chanda Kabwe to the position of Permanent Secretary for Central Province and subsequent appointment of Binwell Mpundu as Kitwe District Commissioner. 

PF Kitwe district chairman, Kang'ombe Christopher says President Edgar Lungu believes in young people and youthful leadership. 

He says the PF in Kitwe has confidence that the party will enjoy a good working relationship with the new District Commissioner especially that he is coming from the rank and file of the party structures. 

Mr Kang'ombe, 31, who is also Kitwe Mayor adds that the District also wishes to remind other members of the party to show loyalty to His Excellency the President Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu as was the case with Binwell Mpundu even when he was not adopted to stand as Member of Parliament for Nkana Constituency in Kitwe. 

He says at the age of 34 years, Mr Mpundu is not only an example of a youthful leader but also a loyal member of the party who has worked hard it's with this he has been recognized by President Lungu adding that at the age of 35 years, Chanda Kabwe has also been rewarded for his hardwork during his time as DC for Kitwe and Patron for Presidential Empowerment Initiative Fund. 

And PF Copperbelt Youth Chairperson, Nathan Chanda says youths on the Copperbelt Province are very excited and grateful to President Lungu for appointing Mr Kabwe to the position of Permanent Secretary for Central Province and subsequent appointment of Mr Mpundu as Kitwe District Commissioner as this has further demonstrated that the head of state has faith in youthful leadership in the governance of this country. 

“We are happy because this shows that President Edgar Lungu believes in young people and youthful leadership because there can never be a nation or organisation that can archive it's social and economical goals without the full and active participation of the youths. For we all know that Youths are the future Leaders and we have every confidence that the two will rise to the occasion like they have done before and perform beyond expectations. 

“The appointments of Mr Chanda Kabwe as Permanent Secretary for Central Province and Binwell Mpundu as Kitwe District Commissioner shows that President Lungu is walking the talk when it comes to mainstreaming of Youths in the matters of governance,” says Mr Chanda. 

Mr Chanda who is also Luanshya Mayor has called upon all Youths on the Copperbelt Province and the all nation to give 100 percent support to the President who means well for the youths. 

Meanwhile Governance Advisor at the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) says President Lungu's appointment of youthful persons to positions of responsibility ought to be commended but also comes with it a challenge for these youthful persons to deliver to the expectations of, not only the Party from where they are being tapped, but also to the nation at large and to the Presidency. 

Mr Mwanza adds that he has met newly appointed Permanent Secretary for Central Province, Chanda Kabwe, during some events and the man, despite his known association with the ruling party does always strive to remain above board and serve all the people who come into contact with him. 

“As PS for Central Province, I have hope he won't confine himself to Kabwe but work to deal with problems across all districts. 

“Newly appointed District Commissioner for Kitwe, Binwell Mpundu, is another fine young man and, at 34, it should be a great honour for him to serve the people of Kitwe but he should understand that both the outgoing DC and Kitwe Mayor has set standards for Kitwe. It is up to him to work much more harder and take Kitwe to greater height,” he says. 

Mr Mwanza has since urged those PF youths who have not been appointed ought to now understand that it takes much thought for the Presidency to finally bestow the honour on a person to serve the people of Zambia. 

“It is certainly good to have a national leadership that represents all politically active age groups. From the older generation, more wisdom arising from their many years of experience, of struggling is brought into the leadership. And from the youth, who lack experience but have abundance of militancy, enthusiasm and energy is added the experience of the older generation. A combination of these is required for efficient, effective and orderly leadership. But one doesn't become a leader simply because he or she is a youthful like Mayor Christopher Pikiti-kang'ombe, Minister Vincent Mwale, Binwell Mpundu or Chanda Kabwe. “And you will not become a District Commissioner, Permanent Secretary minister simply because he has four, five, six, seven or eight decades of experience like Ministers Joyce Nonde or Freedom Sikazwe Leaders will always come from those who are able and are willing to lead,” he said.