08/05/2026
Fellow Citizens of Zambia,
As we approach the dissolution of the Thirteenth National Assembly, I do so with profound gratitude, humility, and reflection on the rare honour and privilege bestowed upon me to serve our beloved nation as Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts.
Coming from a humble background as a marketeer, I could never have imagined that one day I would be entrusted with the opportunity to serve as a Cabinet Minister of the Republic of Zambia. It remains one of the greatest honours of my life and a journey that continues to remind me that through faith, perseverance, and the grace of God, even the most ordinary citizen can be called upon to serve their country at the highest level.
I am fully aware that my appointment to this position came with varied opinions and expectations. Many questioned whether someone from the marketplace, Chisokone, was suited for such responsibility. I may not have been considered the ideal candidate for this office by some. However, through the support, encouragement, patience, and belief of many of you, we were able to walk this journey together in pursuit of a better Zambia.
To have been entrusted with the responsibility of helping shape the future of our young people, advancing sports development, and supporting the growth of arts and culture in Zambia has been one of the greatest privileges and honours of my public life.
In this regard, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, for the confidence and trust he placed in me to serve in this important national office. His belief in someone of my humble background gave me an opportunity not only to serve, but also to demonstrate that leadership and national service should never be limited by where one comes from.
To the people of Zambia, I say thank you. Thank you for your support, your encouragement, your patience, your criticism, your prayers, and your belief in the work we sought to accomplish together. Public service is never an individual journey, and whatever accomplishments may have been recorded during my tenure were only possible because of the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of countless individuals who shared a common belief in a better Zambia.
The years I have been privileged to serve as Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts were not without challenges. There were difficult moments, demanding decisions, and circumstances that tested our resolve as leaders and as a nation. There were times when we may have disagreed, argued passionately, or made decisions that stirred debate and controversy regarding the direction or methods we chose. Yet every decision was made from a place of deep care and sincere concern for the future of our country and its people.
Leadership often requires courage to take difficult paths, resilience in moments of criticism, and determination to remain focused even when the journey becomes uncomfortable. Throughout this period, our objective remained clear: to create opportunities for the youth, strengthen sports structures, empower artists and creatives, and inspire hope among the people of Zambia.
I remain fully aware that none of what we achieved could have been accomplished alone. Every milestone recorded was the result of teamwork, collective effort, and shared vision. Behind every initiative stood committed public servants, stakeholders, athletes, artists, youth leaders, administrators, and ordinary citizens who believed that together we could move Zambia forward.
In this regard, I wish to pay special tribute to the hardworking staff at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts. To all Permanent Secretaries, directors, technocrats, officers, support staff, and every member of the Ministry family, I remain deeply grateful for your professionalism and dedication during my tenure of office. Some of you joined the Ministry during my period of service, while others have faithfully served the institution from the very beginning. Regardless of when you came on board, each one of you played a vital role in helping us fulfil our mandate to the people of Zambia.
Your support, counsel, patience, and tireless efforts formed the backbone of every achievement we celebrated. I carry with me immense respect and appreciation for the sacrifices you made in service to our nation.
To the youths of Zambia, our athletes, coaches, sports administrators, musicians, actors, dancers, filmmakers, and all creatives across the country, thank you for reminding us daily of the limitless potential our nation possesses. Your resilience, talent, and determination continue to inspire hope for a brighter tomorrow.
To the people of Zambia, and indeed the people of Kaputa District, once again, thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve. You carry the memory of the history we made together, and you will forever have the lifelong appreciation of a grateful Minister.
As this chapter draws to a close, I leave office with a heart full of gratitude, pride in what we collectively achieved, and unwavering faith in the future of our nation.
May God richly bless you all, and may God continue to bless the Republic of Zambia.
Thank you.
