Political Reporter
In what is being perceived as a continuation of Zambia’s United Party for National Development's (UPND) anti-Zimbabwe stance, reports have surfaced about that party's youths planning a disruptive march to the Zimbabwean Embassy in Lusaka tomorrow.
A source close to the developments told this publication that the motives behind the march remain unclear, but it's believed that the intention is to cast the Embassy in a negative light.
"The exact agenda of the march is not yet defined, but there is a palpable intention to stir chaos," the source revealed.
It was further disclosed that among the key planners of this march is Joseph Kalimbwe, a senior member of the UPND youth assembly and a loud critic of the Zimbabwean Government.
Intriguingly, the source also noted that youths were being enticed to participate in the march with a promise of K100 each.
This development has drawn criticism from various quarters, with political analysts urging the Zambian ruling party to prioritise national economic issues over straining historical relations with Zimbabwe.
Political commentator Nobleman Runyanga expressed his disapproval, stating, "Zambia's UPND should be more focused on economic reforms rather than engaging in actions that could potentially harm the longstanding cordial relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe."
Meanwhile, the economic situation in Zambia under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration continues to draw attention.
Once hailed as 'the calculator boy' for his strong focus on economic matters and his background in accounting, President Hichilema is facing scrutiny over Kwacha's performance.
The Zambian Kwacha has hit a record high of 23.9 against the US Dollar, as per the indicative exchange rates by ZANACO on November 28, 2023.
President Hichilema, in his opposition days, had promised substantial economic turnarounds, including reducing fuel prices by K4 and ensuring the Kwacha stabilised at K10 against 1 US dollar within hours of his inauguration.
However, two years and three months into his tenure, these promises seem far from realisation.
The cost of living in Zambia has surged, as evidenced by the introduction of Zambia National Service (ZNS) mealie meal, selling at K230 and K190 per 50 kg for breakfast and roller meal, respectively.
Despite this intervention, the high cost of living remains a concern, particularly for a nation led by an economist and a Chief Marketer like President Hichilema.
Inflation has been another pressing issue, with the annual rate rising for the fourth consecutive month to 12.6% in October 2023, the highest since March 2022.
This increase is attributed primarily to the ongoing depreciation of the Kwacha, exacerbated by reduced mining production, declining metal prices, and increasing fuel import costs.
Furthermore, fuel prices have escalated, with petrol now selling at K29.98 per litre and diesel at K29.96 per litre.
In 2021, Zambia's Kwacha showed remarkable performance, becoming the world's best-performing currency under President Hichilema’s leadership.
However, the current economic trajectory paints a contrasting picture, raising questions about the effectiveness of the Government's economic strategies and policies.
