BY SANDRA CHUUNGU.
UPND National Youth Chairman, Gilbert Liswaniso, has spoken out about the damage social media has caused to his reputation. “I’m suffering, I don’t have money,” he lamented. Liswaniso joined the UPND in 2013 and has since earned the respect of many youths within the party ¹.
Despite rumors circulating on social media, Liswaniso denies being wealthy. “No Minister or Permanent Secretary can come forth and claim that they have given me money,” he emphasized. He also acknowledged not owning a lodge in the national park. 
Liswaniso is advocating for the passage of the cyber bill to bring sanity to the country. He echoed President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for responsible social media usage, highlighting the importance of youths and women in political parties ².
The UPND National Youth Chairman stressed that the cyber bill is crucial in creating a governable nation, rather than a “bully country.” He urged youths to support the bill’s passage to promote a more responsible and respectful online environment.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s historic win in the 2021 presidential election was a testament to the Zambian people’s desire for change. With 2.8 million votes, Hichilema’s victory was a resounding statement against tribalism, as he garnered support from across the country ¹.
In a recent address, UPND National Youth Chairman, Gilbert Liswaniso, acknowledged the challenges facing Zambia. Liswaniso emphasized the importance of respecting individuals regardless of their political affiliations. He specifically called on youths to respect former President Edgar Lungu, citing the need to learn from his experiences while in office.
Liswaniso’s message of unity and respect echoes President Hichilema’s commitment to promoting a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in Zambia. As the country continues to navigate its development journey, the importance of putting aside partisan differences and working towards a common goal cannot be overstated.
Former President Edgar Lungu has been urged to take a step back from active politics and instead offer guidance and wisdom to the nation, much like a parent would. This appeal is likely due to Lungu’s extensive experience in politics, having served as the sixth President of Zambia from 2015 to 2021 ¹.
Lungu’s presidency was marked by significant events, including his efforts to diversify Zambia’s economy and his commitment to addressing issues such as child marriage ¹. His leadership style and decisions have been subject to both praise and criticism.
In recent times, Lungu has been involved in internal party conflicts within the Patriotic Front (PF) ¹. The appeal for him to step back from active politics may be seen as a way to alleviate some of these tensions and allow for new leadership to emerge.
Ultimately, whether or not Lungu chooses to heed this appeal remains to be seen. However, his wealth of experience and knowledge could undoubtedly be valuable assets to the nation if shared in a guidance capacity.
