Just call Hichilema “Mr President” not “His Excellency,” emphasises government
GOVERNMENT has reemphasised that President Hakainde Hichilema prefers to be addressed as “Mr President” to being called “His Excellency the President.”
In a statement, secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa stressed that all government officials and the general public were advised to adhere to this preference, which was first communicated upon the President’s assumption of office in 2021.
However, some officials and members of the public have continued to use the title “His Excellency.”
“While appreciating this gesture as a mark of respect, please be guided that Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, prefers to be addressed as ‘Mr. President’ and not ‘His Excellency the President,” said Kangwa.
The senior-most civil servant added that despite the President having been conferred with honorary doctorate degrees by the Valley View University of Ghana, Heriot Watt University of Edinburgh and the University of Zambia, President Hichilema has indicated that his official title remains as “Mr President.”
“We accept and cherish the honour but the official title remains Mr President. It, therefore, follows that all Government officials and members of the general public should officially address the President as “Mr President”.
“All addressees are directed to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all institutions and employees under their supervision and ensure strict adherence,” said Kangwa.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, February 13, 2025