‘Zambia Will Be Worse Than Zimbabwe If PF Is Re-Elected’ - Former PF Youth Leader

A former Patriotic Front youth leader, who has left the party to join the United Party for National Development, has warned that Zambia’s economy will be “worse than that of Zimbabwe” if the PF is elected for another term in office this August. 

Loveday Manyepa, a former youth coordinator for the PF in Lusaka Province, made the comments at the UPND secretariat building, after defecting to the opposition party. He was welcomed by UPND National Chairperson Stephen Katuka, who expressed gratitude that such a young but nonetheless experienced politician has decided to join the party. 

Mr Manyepa, who is popularly known as ‘Commander’, added in his statement that the PF has no mechanism for reducing the prices of essential commodities, such as mealie-meal, sugar and cooking oil. He also observed that the PF has run out of ideas for creating job opportunities. 

During the ten years that the Patriotic Front has been in power, inflation has steadily risen from 6.4% in 2011 to 22.8% in 2021, significantly increasing the cost of living. In 2011, a 25kg bag of mealie meal cost K45; now it is in excess of K195 per bag. Likewise a loaf of bread which cost K5 in 2011 is now worth K9 in today’s prices. 

Commander Manyepa has subsequently urged young Zambians to think about their future and vote for Hakainde Hichilema on the basis of his bold vision and strong record of financial prudence. 

He argued that the ruling Patriotic Front had no place in the Zambia of tomorrow because of the greediness trickling down from the party’s leadership.