Zambian leader urges new ministers to work hard

Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Thursday demanded for hard work from his ministers as he begins his five years in office.

Lungu, who took oath of office for his five-year mandate in office on Tuesday, cautioned his newly appointed ministers to work hard, saying the next five years would be crucial in determining if the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) will bounce back into power after the 2021 general elections.

In remarks delivered after he swore-in the first eight ministers at State House, Lungu said time for making promises and campaigns was over and that it was now time to work hard.

The Zambian leader said it was time to fulfill the promises made to Zambians during the campaigns and to implement the ruling party's manifesto which runs from 2016 to 2021.

He warned the ministers not to force him to make reshuffles and dismiss them from work for failing to perform. He said he expects his ministers to be humble and work for the people.

Lungu named eight of his new ministers late on Wednesday as well as 10 provincial ministers. He is expected to complete his full cabinet next week.

Lungu has named Felix Mutati, leader of a faction of the opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) as the new finance minister, taking over from Alexander Chikwanda who was appointed in 2011.

Other new ministers include the ruling party's secretary-general Davies Chama, who is now defense minister, and a trade unionist Joyce Nonde-Simukoko, who is the labor and social security minister. Endit