Thousands Turn Out to Welcome HH as Southern Province Tour Begins

President Hakainde Hichilema has ended the first day of his Southern Province engagements with thousands of residents in Chirundu, Siavonga, Chikankata and Mazabuka turning out to hear his message of continued development, peace and unity.

Addressing crowds in Chirundu, President Hichilema thanked residents for their overwhelming turnout, saying the support demonstrated appreciation for the programmes being implemented under the UPND New Dawn administration.

“Thank you Chirundu in Southern Province for coming to our meeting in thousands today. We shall continue delivering development for you,” President Hichilema said.

He highlighted free education, social cash transfer and cash for work as some of the key programmes his administration would continue expanding.

In Siavonga, the President urged citizens to protect the gains made since 2021, emphasising the importance of maintaining peace and democratic freedoms.

President Hichilema said the government would sustain free education, which has seen more than 2.5 million learners return to school, while expanded school feeding programmes continue improving attendance and performance.

He also pointed to the restoration of student meal allowances, recruitment of over 40,000 teachers and 20,000 health workers, and an expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

At Chikankata, President Hichilema thanked residents for turning out in large numbers and pledged that his administration would continue working to uplift Zambia.

“We shall not let Zambia down. We shall continue uplifting our country day by day,” he said.

He urged residents to vote for the UPND on August 13, 2026, saying continued development depended on unity and collective action.

The President ended the day by addressing a large rally in Mazabuka, where he reiterated his call for unity saying “Zambia must continue moving forward, and together we shall ensure that this is done.”