President Hakainde Hichilema recently officiated at the Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) combined passing-out parade of 114 cadets and 813 recruits at Nyango Correctional Staff Training School in Kaoma district in Western Province.
The parade which took place on Friday, March 25, 2022, made President Hichilema the third Head of State to grace such an occasion for the ZCS.
The Presidential aircraft carrying Mr Hichilema touched down at Nyango Training School ground at 12:00 hours after which the Head of State inspected a quarter guard before proceeding to pay a courtesy call on Senior Chief Kanongeshya of Mwinilunga and Chief MweneMutondo of Kaoma.
President Hichilema later moved to Nyango Training School parade square where a sizeable crowd of people braved the rainy weather to have a glimpse of him.
In his address, the President said his Government was resolute and determined to create more jobs and business opportunities for all citizens.
He said there is no doubt that Zambia is set to realise its full potential, hence the reason for his Government’s resolve to work round the clock to ensure that this comes to fruition.
The President, who called on the officers to ensure safety of all citizen placed under their custody, said there is need to help those in various detention facilities to realise that being in jail does not mean the end of life and also that anyone is a potential customer of the detention facilities.
“We have been to these detentions before and drew a lot of lessons, among them the need to modernize these facilities so that they can be more habitable,” he said.
Mr Hichilema also urged those charged with the responsibilities of recruitment in the public service to begin ensuring the inclusion and not exclusions of local citizens.
“There are concerns that this recruitment did not consider the local people. Next time ensure that priority is given to local citizens in a particular area. We want jobs and business opportunities to stay in local areas and ultimately within Zambia, but where and when necessary, export expertise,” Mr Hichilema said.
He further called for the spirit of togetherness in order to realise the dream of Zambia being a better place.
He said people should join hands and work together in bad and good times alike.
The Head of State said it was for that reason that he had paid a courtesy call on the two chiefs who also witnessed the pass out parade.
President Hichilema said he was glad to hear that the chiefs in Western Province were aware of strides his Government was making in ensuring a better Zambia for all.
He said he was pleased to learn of the chief’s assurance that they would work with the Government.
“While in office, we will work with all the traditional leaders to foster peace, unity and development,” the President said.
ZCS Deputy Commissioner General Bwalya Kuyomba warned the officers not to be too expectant.
“I have always advised young officers to say let your performance speak for you. Be proud of your job. Prove your effectiveness by paying attention to custodial and agricultural programmes,” he said.
He advised the officers to impress their superiors by doing what was expected of them.
He said in that way, the superiors would always be proud of the officers would show them that they deserved to be recognized.
He urged the officers to work according to the plan of the ZCS command and contribute towards improving the service to one which was admirable, appreciated and recognized.
The ZCS deputy commissioner general said it was not enough for the officers to just hold titles when they were not able to deliver to the organisation.
The pass out parade was also witnessed by ministers Ambrose Lufuma (Defence) Jack Mwiimbu (Home Affairs and Internal Security) and Kapelwa Mbangweta (Western Province).