YOUTHS ARE ANGRY WITH YOU, YOUTHS TELL HH
YOUTHS ARE ANGRY WITH YOU, YOUTHS TELL HH
A letter to the president Hakainde Hichilema
[Langson Phiri]
[May 15, 2024]
His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema
State House
Lusaka, Zambia
Dear Mr. President,
We, the unhappy generation, are writing to express our deep frustration and concern about the unsustainable cost of living in Zambia. As young people, we are struggling to make ends meet due to the exorbitant costs of basic necessities.
Our parents, who work tirelessly as vendors, barely earn enough to cover our expenses. We take on the burden of paying for our own university education, but it’s a constant struggle. Moreover, we have no access to electricity in our homes and face limited employment opportunities after graduation.
Here’s a breakdown of our expenses:
– Rent: over 60% of our income
– Mealie meal: 25% of our income
– Tomatoes: 10% of our income (and rising!)
– Clothes: 8% of our income (just to look decent!)
– Airtime: 5% of our income (just to stay connected!)
– Transport: 5% of our income (just to get around!)
Unfortunately, the desperation has pushed some of our sisters into prostitution just to survive, and our brothers into theft. This is unacceptable, and we urge you to take immediate action to address these pressing issues.
We need:
– Affordable rent control
– Subsidies for basic necessities like food and transport
– Job opportunities and economic growth
– Affordable healthcare and education
– Access to electricity and other basic services
We are the future of Zambia, and we deserve a better chance at life. We hope you will take our concerns seriously and work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable society for all.
Sincerely,
Langson Phiri