Hamasaka blasts M’membe over chiefs for DCs, Ministers

STATE House has lambasted Fred M’membe, the Socialist Party leader for suggesting that traditional leaders shall be appointed into political positions such as Provincial Minister should he inadvertently form government after the 2026 general elections.

Clayson Hamasaka, the State House Chief Communications Specialist has expressed concern that Dr Mmembe could propose to reduce the sovereignty of traditional leadership to political positions of Provincial Ministers, roles not provided for under the current Constitution.

Dr Mmembe has proposed that traditional leaders shall be appointed District Commissioners in areas of their jurisdiction, a proposal he believes would enhance the participation of traditional leaders into political governance.

But Mr Hamasaka said traditional leaders were the important custodians of cultures, traditions and customs and it was for this reason that the UPND government was investing heavily in improving their palaces as well as conditions and benefits and those of their support staff.

He said the UPND government would therefore not trivialize the important position that traditional leaders held in the country by reducing them to partisan politics as Mr M’membe was proposing of doing.

Mr Hamasaka said traditional leaders shall not fall in the cheap political mileage Dr M’membe was attempting to gain by making dangerous and unconstitutional promises to score political points.

He said the idea the Socialist party leader was suggesting to start reducing the solemn role of the respectable royal highnesses into menial government administrative work is not only disrespectful to them but also goes against the provisions of our constitution.