PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has called on the spiritual guidance and prayers of three traditional leaders known as rain makers, hoping for a favourable rainfall pattern in the 2024-2025 rainy season.
Speaking at the Shikaumpa Traditional Ceremony of the Ila people in Namwala District yesterday, President Hichilema underscored the importance of divine intervention to reverse the drought crisis that has gripped the nation.
The appeal comes in the wake of a devastating dry spell during the 2023-2024 rainy season, which forced the President to declare a National Disaster and Emergency on February 29 this year.
The severe drought has left over nine million people grappling with hunger and triggered extended electricity blackouts, as water levels in the Kariba Dam, a key hydroelectric source, plunged to critical lows.
President Hichilema revealed that Senior Chief Mwamba of Northern Province, Chief Monze of Southern Province, and Senior Chief Sailunga of North-Western Province, who were present at the event, are the rain makers committed to praying for the rains the country desperately needs.
“I was informed when I was speaking to the chiefs in the tent there that we have three chiefs here who are rain makers. Senior Chief Mwamba of Northern province, Senior Chief Sailunga of North Western Province and mwami Monze here. These three chiefs have committed that they will continue praying so that God can hear our cry, [and] we can have rains. So we are looking up to those prayers,” stated President Hichilema.
“We pray that this year, God will give us sufficient rains so we can grow more food, [and] take care of the things, the assets that we keep.”
The Head of State further urged the church, other chiefs and the country at large to unite in prayer for this season’s rains.
“Once God gives us rain, I ask the people, the farmers to continue planting and harnessing our crop. And we must work hard as a country. The country was becoming a bit lazy, I’m sorry to say that but we want a country of hard workers, working very very hard.”
“Even the Bible is clear, hard work is cherished not laziness,” added the Head of State.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, November 4, 2024
