State House dismissed M’membe’s ‘parallel army’ claims
By Wilson Mulinda
State House has dismissed claims by Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe that President Hakainde Hichilema is attempting to form a parallel army through the newly introduced Zambia National Service (ZNS) voluntary skills training programme.
State House Chief Communications Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, says the claim is both shocking and disappointing, especially coming from someone aspiring to lead Zambia.
Mr. Hamasaka says such allegations reveal a lack of awareness by opposition politicians.
In a statement issued to ZNBC News, Mr. Hamasaka said instead of perpetuating unfounded allegations, the opposition should commend President Hichilema for the efforts aimed at addressing societal challenges.
Mr. Hamasaka says the ZNS voluntary training programme is designed to equip young people with essential skills in trades such as plumbing, carpentry, tailoring, and other artisan professions.
He said President Hichilema is aware that not all school leavers will be absorbed by colleges and universities and later the formal job market, hence the idea of ZNS and many other skills training programmes being implemented to address what would be another challenge in the future.
