• FIRST Lady Esther Lungu talks to Chief Mwanachingwala of the Tonga people in Mazabuka when she visited the traditional leader yesterday. The traditional ruler has been unwell for the past two years.
Picture by THOMAS NSAMA/STATE HOUSE

By CHILA NAMAIKO –

CHIEF Mwanachingwala of the Tonga people in Mazabuka, Southern Province, has been unwell for the last two years and is appealing for finances to seek specialist treatment.
The traditional leader said this when First Lady Esther Lungu visited him at his palace to wish him quick recovery so that he could continue contributing to the welfare of his chiefdom and the nation.
He said he needed about K30,000 to undergo specialist treatment for his eyes at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
Chief Mwanachingwala, 71, complained of poor eye-sight and was in need of financial support to access specialist treatment for his eyes.
“I have always wanted to go to India for treatment but I don’t have money, and at UTH they told me they need about K30,000 for my eye operation,” the chief said.
He was encouraged that Ms Lungu could find time to visit him, signifying that the First Family and Government loved and cared for him.
Chief Mwanachingwala invited President Edgar Lungu to visit the chiefdom to see the various developments and some challenges the local people were facing.
“I feel so encouraged that you (Ms Lungu) can come to see me. It shows that President Lungu and the Government love me,” he said.
The traditional ruler presented the First Lady with a cow, which he named Mutinta after his mother.
Ms Lungu said President Lungu and the Government were committed to uplifting the welfare of traditional leaders.
“My coming here is to wish you a quick recovery and you have the support from Government. We want you to continue with programmes of developing your area,” she said.
At the palace, Ms Lungu encouraged two physically-challenged children – Hanatomba Malambo, 14, and his younger sister Mary Malamba, 9 – who are confined to wheelchairs to remain focused on education.