INFORMATION and Media Minister, Cornelius Mweetwa has called on the Church to pray for President Hakainde Hichilema as he governs the country.
Mr. Mweetwa, who is Chief government Spokesperson and Choma Central Member of Parliament was speaking at the Seventh Day Adventist Mosi-O-Tunya Conference Music Rally in Choma, which attracted over 150 choir groups from across the country.
He said President Hichilema has continued to face unwarranted allegations from opposition figures, including claims that he had a hand in the recent death of former President Edgar Lungu, the assertions he described as unfortunate and not true.
Mr. Mweetwa described the accusations as baseless and malicious, intended only to derail the head of State from his agenda of advancing the country’s socio-economic development.
“The unity of our country has often been held together by the voice and intervention of the Church. Currently the nation is facing what we may call an act against our traditions and spirituality where some people want our former sixth Republican President Dr Edgar Lungu buried in a foreign land. During this moment President Hichilema needs the prayers of the church to stay focused and fulfill the vision of leading Zambia to the next level despite distractions,” Mr Mweetwa said.
Mr. Mweetwa also urged the Church to rally behind President Hichilema to ensure continuity of leadership beyond 2026.
He emphasised that the President had remained focused on improving the lives of citizens and called for collective efforts to protect the progress achieved thus far.
“As we head toward the 2026 general election, it is critical for the Church to remain a pillar of moral guidance and intercession for our political leaders as elections are oftentimes a temptation to maintaining peace,” Mr. Mweetwa stated.
He also applauded the Church for its longstanding role in promoting peace and unity, adding that religious institutions must step up their spiritual support for political leaders.
Mr Mweetwa said the government under the leadership of President Hichilema is committed to fighting corruption and alleviating poverty in the country.
Meanwhile, Choma SDA Church Pastor Edward Mundia commended the government for its continued support to vulnerable communities.
Pastor Mundia highlighted the Social Cash Transfer and the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as key interventions making a difference on the ground.
“We have seen a government that is reaching out to the poorest of the poor. Through Social Cash Transfers and the improved CDF, many families in rural areas are beginning to experience a sense of hope, and ask where all this money was,” he wondered.
He also encouraged leaders to remain accountable and open to dialogue with the Church. “As the Church, we want to continue engaging with the government not just in prayer but also through constructive feedback on how to better serve our people.”
“Bringing together more than 150 choirs shows that we, as a Church, are united in purpose, and we want to walk with the government in building a peaceful nation.”
He urged congregants and political leaders alike to commit to national unity ahead of the 2026 elections, emphasising that prayer, reconciliation, and truth must guide the process.
The music rally, held at the SDA camp site in Choma’s Mochipapa area, drew thousands of attendees from across five districts of Southern Province.
Mr Mweetwa also donated K10, 000 and pledged to sink a borehole to support the development of the campsite.
ZANIS
