“Be grateful that you are an MP,” Hichilema tells former Minister Mweetwa “Be Grateful You Are an MP” – Hichilema Tells Cornelius Mweetwa“Be grateful that you are an MP,” Hichilema tells former Minister Mweetwa
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NewsPresident Hakainde Hichilema has publicly reminded former Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa to appreciate his position as Member of Parliament for Choma Central, following his exclusion from the new Cabinet. The President made the remarks on Tuesday when he arrived at his farm in Choma to begin a 10-day visit to Southern Province. President Hakainde Hichilema has told former Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa to be grateful for being Choma Central MP after missing out on Cabinet. President Hakainde Hichilema has publicly reminded former Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa to appreciate his position as Member of Parliament for Choma Central, following his exclusion from the new Cabinet. The President made the remarks on Tuesday when he arrived at his farm in Choma to begin a 10-day visit to Southern Province. President Hakainde Hichilema has publicly told former Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa to appreciate his position as Choma Central MP, following his exclusion from the new Cabinet.
President Hakainde Hichilema has publicly reminded former Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa to appreciate his position as Member of Parliament for Choma Central, following his exclusion from the new Cabinet.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday when he arrived at his farm in Choma to begin a 10-day visit to Southern Province.
Mweetwa was among several Members of Parliament who received the President at the farm, where supporters also chanted “2090” as Hichilema arrived with First Lady Mutinta Hichilema.
Addressing the gathering, the President referred to complaints from some former ministers who were not reappointed to Cabinet, telling them to appreciate the positions they currently hold.
“I have heard them complain that I left them out as Ministers… just be grateful that you are an MP. Out of everyone born in Choma, Mweetwa, be grateful that you are an MP,” Hichilema said.
The remarks appeared to be directed at the debate surrounding the composition of the new Cabinet, particularly the exclusion of some senior figures who served in the previous administration.
Mweetwa retained his seat but lost ministerial position
Mweetwa served as Southern Province Minister during the early years of the UPND administration before being appointed Minister of Information and Media, a position he held until the end of the previous Cabinet.
Unlike several former ministers who lost their parliamentary seats in the August 2026 general elections, Mweetwa successfully retained Choma Central.
However, when President Hichilema announced his new Cabinet on October 28, Mweetwa was not among those appointed.
His former Information and Media portfolio was subsequently assigned to Elvis Nkandu.
Another former minister left out of the new Cabinet was Chipoka Mulenga, who previously served as Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry. However, Mulenga lost his Chingola West parliamentary seat in the August elections, meaning his circumstances differ from those of Mweetwa.
The changes followed the formation of a new administration after Hichilema’s re-election.
Mweetwa previously said he was not entitled to Cabinet appointment
Following the announcement of the new Cabinet, Mweetwa publicly dismissed speculation surrounding his exclusion and maintained that he had no entitlement to a ministerial position.
Speaking at a press briefing on November 1, the Choma Central MP said the President had the constitutional authority to appoint individuals he considered suitable to serve in Government.
He argued that no Member of Parliament had an automatic right to a Cabinet position and expressed gratitude for the five years he had served as Minister of Information and Media.
Mweetwa also rejected speculation that his exclusion was linked to political disagreements or alleged association with opposition figures.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to Hichilema and the UPND, describing himself as a disciple of the President and pledging to support the new administration.
The former minister also urged party members to remain united and avoid being influenced by speculation intended to create divisions within the ruling party.
A reminder about the role of an MP
Hichilema’s remarks in Choma have brought the debate about Cabinet appointments and the role of elected representatives back into focus.
While Cabinet ministers are appointed by the President, Members of Parliament derive their mandate from the electorate and have responsibilities beyond serving in the Executive.
These include representing constituents, participating in parliamentary debates, scrutinising Government policies and legislation, and holding the Executive accountable.
Mweetwa’s continued presence in Parliament means he retains an elected mandate to represent Choma Central, even without a ministerial portfolio.
The President’s message was that those who were not selected for ministerial positions should appreciate the offices they currently occupy and continue serving in their respective capacities.
For Mweetwa, Tuesday’s encounter was notable because the President addressed him directly in front of supporters and fellow political leaders, reminding him of the significance of his parliamentary position.
The exchange comes as Hichilema begins his second-term administration with a reshaped Cabinet and expectations that elected leaders will work together to advance the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda.
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