20/09/2025
Our daughter is not important here, Hichilema tells ZCAS graduation gathering
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema yesterday amazed a gathering at the ZCAS University graduation ceremony when he disclosed that his daughter was among the graduates but stressed she was not more important than others.
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That daughter was Miyanda Hichilema, who graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Commercial.
Until her father’s revelation, her presence had gone largely unnoticed in the sea of the many colourful gowns.
Her brothers, lieutenant Habwela and Chikonka were also present to give support to their elder sister.
Only a few journalists and government officials had caught wind that the Head of State’s child was graduating and anticipation built quietly at the arena as the people waited for her name to be called.
When the moment finally came, the announcement, “Miyanda Hichilema,” was met with the loudest cheer of the day.
The gathering erupted like a stadium after a winning goal as she rose, masked and looking all reserved, avoiding the lenses of eager photographers who had been waiting for her appearance.
The President’s daughter walked steadily to the stage, shoulders squared, head bowed as she made every effort to remain just another graduate among many, exactly as her father had insisted moments earlier.
In his remarks, President Hichilema told the gathering that while his daughter was part of the graduation, she was not the focus of the occasion.
“Our daughter is not important here. Those who are important are all of you, looking beautiful and dressed properly today. Clap for yourselves,” he said.
The President further disclosed that his family had quietly sponsored many students at ZCAS University over the years, without publicity, and pledged to help clear the remaining balance on a bus project that students had been contributing towards.
“Over the years, as a family we have sponsored many students through ZCAS and through this university, many quietly because that’s the way we like to do it. They are not even allowed to disclose that they are under our sponsorship. Because those days, they would be victimised for being associated with the HH family, today they would be abused,” he shared.
“We are proud that ZCAS University had trained those we asked to come here and as a family we will continue doing that.”
By Catherine P**e
Credit: Kalemba, September 20, 2025