UPND Calls Out Wina’s Debt Swap Lies

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has warned teachers around the country not to listen to Vice President Inonge Wina’s hollow promises regarding potential debt swaps for teachers and other government employees. 

UPND National Chairman Steven Katuka issued a statement today, accusing the outgoing VP of “hoodwinking vulnerable teachers” by promising to negotiate a debt swap when this was not within the government’s capability. 

It comes after Mrs Wina pledged that her government would negotiate with lending institutions in order to take on some of the financial burdens faced by teachers and civil servants, many of whom are in debt.

The UPND says this is a false promise, which the PF is unable to deliver on. It points out that debt swaps are only possible when two parties owe each other for services rendered to both parties. I.e. the lending institutions would have to owe the government in order to facilitate a debt swap, which is not the case.

Mr Katuka said his party was “perturbed by these levels of desperation” and accused Vice President Wina of trying to “sweet talk our hardworking teachers whose circumstances have been made difficult by a collapsing economy”.

His statement also drew attention to the fact that much of the financial hardship faced by teachers and other public sector workers is the result of the government’s poor handling of the national economy. Under the Patriotic Front, Zambia became the only African nation to default on its debts in 2020. The country is now saddled with a total debt burden in excess of $20 billion and faces a runaway on the value of the Kwacha, with one US dollar buying K22.63 as of Monday morning. 

Instead of naked bribes, the UPND has promised to pay public sector workers decent salaries and emoluments to enable them to afford their basic needs.

“Once they stop worrying about their daily family needs, they shall increase productivity and efficiency,” Mr Katuka predicted. 

His statement also drew attention to the fact that Mrs Wina’s comments are specifically directed towards teachers, raising concerns over attempts to interfere in the upcoming August elections. 

“We all know that teachers are actively involved in presiding over the forthcoming local government, parliamentary and presidential elections. Our teachers are appointed electoral officers to manage elections throughout the country on behalf of the Electoral Commission of Zambia. What message is Mrs Wina trying to communicate?” Katuka asked.