2 OFFICIALS DITCH UPND FOR KALABA
THE United Party for National Development (UPND) yesterday suffered a VetbaFN Zhen tZo offiFiaOV defected to the newly-formed Democratic Party (DP).
The two officials ditched the Hakainde Hichilema-led party, citing lack of vision.
Ennie Kaseka, the UPND Vice-Youth Chairperson for Kasola ward and Mable Senkwe, Trustee for the same ward in Chingola joined the DP at a ceremony at Shebourne Guest House in Kitwe.
They were received by DP senior officials led by president Gift Kalumba
In welcoming the two officials, Mr Kalumba said his party was growing and would continue to attract more people from all parts of the country.
He said his party would form government and support the local entrepreneurs in order to grow the economy.
Mr Kalumba said he was saddened that most contracts in various sectors of the economy were being given to foreigners instead of giving them to local contractors.
The Former Patriotic Front (PF) Kitwe district youth secretary and Rokana ward councillor was speaking yesterday during a media briefing at in Kitwe.
"As DP, we believe that we should empower our local people who should in turn contribute to economic recovery and national development.
"We need to give contracts to Zambians and this is why if we form government, we will drive the agenda of empowering the local people," Mr Kalumba said.
In addition, he said, the DP government would revive and develop the agriculture sector so that farmers start supplying vegetables and fruits to chain stores like Shoprite and Pick 'n' pay.
He said his party was a practical organisation which would set the stage for economic recovery and national development through sound policies.
And speaking later, party spokesperson Judith Kabemba said DP would not entertain politics of violence and mudslinging.
Ms Kabemba said Zambia's economy was in a bad state and urgently needed fresh and intelligent brains to revive it from the economic doldrums.
"Right now, Zambia is in the Intensive Care Unit and needs better leaders to resuscitate it from the ICU and take it to greater heights," Ms Kabemba said.
Recently, the DP invited Bahati Member of Parliament Harry Kalaba to consider joining the party and vie for the topmost position in the 2021 general elections.