🇿🇲BRIEFING | Hichilema Says Ex Veeps Were Overlooked Until Retirement Benefits Were Introduced
President Hakainde Hichilema says his administration introduced retirement benefits for former vice presidents after discovering that Zambia’s second-highest constitutional office had long been excluded from post-service welfare arrangements.
Speaking during the funeral service of former Vice President Dr Guy Scott at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Sunday, Hichilema said he was surprised to learn after assuming office in 2021 that former vice presidents had no retirement benefits, unlike former judges and Speakers of the National Assembly.
“One of the things that when we won the election in 2021, I realised that vice presidents in this country were never looked after post their service in office. Just totally ignored,” the President said.
Hichilema said he sought legal guidance from the Attorney General before appointing former vice presidents as presidential special envoys under existing constitutional provisions. Those appointed included Dr Guy Scott, Malimba Masheke, General Godfrey Miyanda, Nevers Mumba, Enoch Kavindele and Inonge Wina, allowing the country to continue benefiting from their experience in public service.
The President said his government later worked with Parliament to enact legislation providing retirement benefits for all former vice presidents, regardless of their political affiliation.
“Former vice presidents, all of them, irrespective of political party, because they served this country, are now on retirement benefits,” Hichilema said.
© The People’s Brief | Francine Lilu
Hichilema Says Ex Veeps Were Overlooked Until Retirement Benefits Were Introduced
