HAMASAKA condemns divisive political tactics
By Mark Ziligone
State House Chief Communications Specialist CLAYSON HAMASAKA has condemned political players seeking to divide the country based on rural or urban origins.
Mr. HAMASAKA says elitism has no place in Zambia’s leadership and that politicians promoting such must be called out for their divisive rhetoric.
This is in the wake of remarks by Zambia Must Prosper leader KELVIN FUBE that many Zambians found demeaning towards rural communities, which make up more than 50 percent of the country’s population.
Mr. HAMASAKA says in recent interviews Mr. FUBE sought to undermine President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA by belittling his rural upbringing, insinuating that those from urban areas, like his own Mufulira background, are more deserving of leadership.
He adds that the attempt to frame rural roots as a disadvantage stands in stark contrast to President HICHILEMA’s pride in his village origins, which he views as a testament to the success of Zambia’s free education policies in providing equal opportunities for all citizens.
In a statement to ZNBC News, Mr. HAMASAKA said the opposition leader also labelled the Head of State as stingy claiming that true generosity involves giving away money without accountability.
He explained that President HICHILEMA has instead focused on sustainable economic policies, expanding initiatives like Social Cash Transfers, university bursaries, students’ meal allowances, and the increased Constituency Development Fund -CDF
Mr. HAMASAKA added that such programmes, which provide long-term support, stand in contrast to the handouts often associated with political populism.
