By STEVE MWIINGA
UPND members in Siavonga have differed with the party leadership over the banning of cadrelism, insisting that cadres should be rewarded because they are the ones who risked their lives to ensure the party got elected into government.
“We have been abandoned by the party after being voted in power and after we sacrificed our personal resources,” complained one United Party for National Development Siavonga member.
Former Kariba ward chairman Hitler Mweemba, said the executive worked hard at the grass root level to ensure the party got maximum votes but they have not been recognised.
Mr Mweemba said despite the Patriotic Front regime trying to entice them to defect because they were perceived to be super powers in the party, they remained loyal.
He said some members even borrowed money from their wives just to make sure that the party got into power.
Mr Mweemba has condemned the statement by President Hakainde Hichilema banning cadrelism.
He added that it was because of the same cadres that he is the head of State.
Mr Mweemba said leaders must remember that the same cadres are the ones who made it possible for them to be in power. He added that there is need to reward them by giving them employment in whichever category because some do not have qualifications.
Mr Mweemba stated that the executive had hope that when the UPND scooped the August 12, 2021 elections, they would be given jobs because they were told to use their resources and be rewarded once they were in power.
He said they feel cheated after working hard for the UPND to be in power.
