HH has created jobs, vote for him – Hikaumba

By BARNABAS ZULU

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has delivered on one of his major promises of creating jobs and has demonstrated his ability to take the country to greater economic heights and should therefore have his mandate extended, Leonard Hikaumba has said.

Mr Hikaumba, the former president of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions has urged Zambians to vote for President Hichilema in next month’s general election, saying he has demonstrated commitment to job creation and youth empowerment.

Mr Hikaumba, who is also Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) vice president, said President Hichilema’s administration had restored hope among young people by creating opportunities in sectors such as mining and entrepreneurship.

He said the decision by Government to allocate the OB19 and OB22 mining areas on the Copperbelt to youths and small-scale miners was a clear demonstration of the new dawn administration’s commitment to economic empowerment.

Mr Hikaumba said for many years’ small-scale miners, commonly known as Jerabos, worked without security, recognition and legal protection despite contributing significantly to the local economy.

“The allocation of mining areas to youths is more than just a policy announcement. It is an investment in human potential and an opportunity for thousands of young people to move from unemployment to enterprise and from hardship to hope,” he said.

Mr Hikaumba said Government had gone beyond merely allocating mining areas by providing safety training, machinery support and artisanal mining licences to miners.

He said the licences would enable young people to build sustainable businesses and create generational wealth for their families.

“A licence is not just a document but a symbol of dignity, ownership and empowerment. It is a foundation upon which families can build a better future,” Mr Hikaumba said.

Mr Hikaumba urged voters to support President Hichilema in the August 13elections, arguing that his leadership had created opportunities and restored hope among many citizens

“The Copperbelt has seen the difference that visionary leadership can make. Zambians should vote for continued progress, jobs, unity and economic empowerment,” he said.

Mr Hikaumba said the country’s future depended on creating opportunities for young people and ensuring that the country’s natural resources benefitted ordinary citizens.