PARAMOUNT Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni-speaking people in Eastern province has been granted a distinguished honour by President Hakainde Hichilema.
The President paid homage to the traditional leader by presenting him with the esteemed Order of the Eagle of Zambia Third Division.
This tribute acknowledges Chief Mpezeni’s remarkable 40-year reign, during which he worked harmoniously with at least six different political regimes.
The Chief’s enduring commitment to his people and his unwavering dedication to the nation have left an indelible mark on Zambia’s history.
The Head of State also recognised the outstanding creative contributions of Zambia’s Australian-based musician, Sampa Tembo, widely known as ‘Sampa the Great’.
The special investiture ceremony took place at State House as part of this year’s Independence Day Celebration.
Meanwhile, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has reaffirmed her country’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the longstanding ties of cooperation with Zambia.
Speaking when she graced the occasion at State House during Zambia’s 59th Independence Day celebrations, President Hassan said Tanzania will continue to stand by Zambia as an extended family, a reliable friend, and a strategic partner.
She further underlined her dedication to ensuring the vitality of essential economic corridors such as the Tanzania Zambia Mafuta pipeline (TAZAMA), the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), and the TAZAM corridors, crucial for the development of both nations.
“As we look ahead, I wish to reaffirm Tanzania’s commitment to strengthen existing ties of cooperation and bonds between the two nations. We will also continue in our commitment to transform the TAZAMA pipelines and construct a new pipeline from Dar-es-Salaam to Zambia.
Our founding fathers were able against all odd to establish from scratch one of the greatest economic corridors, TAZARA, TAZAMA and TAZAM. We will continue to take on to ensure this corridor remains vibrant,” she said.
Dr Hassan said her Government has made a decision to allocate 20 hectares of land to Zambia for consignments destined for Zambia.
She said this will help boost trade and reduce the cost of doing business between the two countries.
“Apart from that, we have embarked on modernisation of the Dar-es-Salaam port to ensure that the port is effective and efficient in business activities,” she said.
Dr Hassan also commended Zambia’s economic progress stating that such remarkable progress will benefit all in the region.
And in his remarks, President Hichilema said Zambia is keen to deepen its relationship with Tanzania, including in infrastructure development.
“The TAZARA corridor remains a cornerstone to development of other corridors to let people travel, for business and pleasure. We know we have your support. Tanzania and Zambia are critical based on history, friendship of leaders and should work together,” he said.
The Head of State further commended and recognised the freedom fighters to have made the Independence Day celebrations possible, noting that without them the fight for liberation would not have been possible.
(Mwebantu, Tuesday, 24th October, 2023)