HOUSE of Chiefs in Southern Province has expressed support for the proposed constitutional amendments contained in Bill 7 citing its changes to be progressive, timely, and in national interest.
The chiefs also support the delimitation exercise that government has embarked on throughout the provinces.
Chiefs’ chairperson, senior Chief of the ila speaking people in Namwala district of Southern Province, Nalubamba welcomed the proposal to carry out the delimitation exercise.
He said the delimitation exercise will help have more money within a particular locality because the very vast constituencies are going to be cut into more constituency which means money will be more into a particular area.
Chief Nalubamba further said the exercise will go down in changing lives of individuals, villages and households within chiefdoms.
He was speaking during a consultative meeting with the House of Chiefs in Southern Province.
The traditional leader also indicated that they are open to partner with the government for things that are mutually beneficial, especially to chiefdoms and people because both serve people.
“We are open to partnering with government because government is the engine of development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Southern Province Council of Chiefs, secretary Chief Hamaundu, extended his appreciation to Minister of Justice and her delegation for the consultative engagement held with Royal Highnesses in the Province on the proposed constitutional amendments.
Chief Hamaundu commended the Ministry of Justice for the inclusive approach, which recognises the importance of traditional leadership in shaping Zambia’s governance framework.
“Following robust discussions, consensus was built on most of the key proposed amendments. The Southern Province Council of Chiefs acknowledged that, overall, the proposed changes are progressive, timely, and in the national interest.”
“In particular, the Southern Province Council of Chiefs supports the intention of the Bill,” he said.
Chief Hamaundu said the traditional leaders are in support of the Bill because it guarantees representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in the National Assembly; Support for the delimitation of large constituencies and electoral reforms aimed at improving administrative efficiency and reducing the frequency and cost of by-elections.
The correction of identified lacunae and inconsistencies in the current Constitution was also cited as a reason for the Bill to be supported in order to strengthen provisions to promote effective governance and national unity.
Chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and nation-building efforts.
“We commend the Ministry’s efforts in undertaking similar engagements with stakeholders across all provinces,” said Chief Hamaundu.
By Lucy Phiri
Kalemba June 11, 2025
