POLITICAL ANALYST SAYS NO CURRENT LEADER SHOULD CLAIM CREDIT FOR FREE EDUCATION
By Josphat Mbewe
Political Analyst Rudolf Mwanza says no current politician should claim credit for introducing free education in Zambia, saying the policy dates back to first president, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda’s administration.
Mr. Mwanza’s remarks follow comments attributed to National Reconciliation Party For Unity and Prosperity -NRPUP- presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, who reportedly claimed that the patriotic front introduced free education during its time in office.
According to Mr. Mwanza, free education was first implemented under Dr. Kaunda’s government for learners from grade 1 to university before it was changed by the Frederick Chiluba administration and later partially reintroduced by the Levy Mwanawasa government for pupils from grades 1 to 7.
He has told Phoenix News that the Patriotic Front government expanded the programme by continuing free education and reducing school fees from grade 8 to 12, rather than introducing it for the first time.
Mr. Mwanza said politicians often make misleading statements during campaign periods and urged citizens to verify claims made by political leaders before accepting them as facts.
PHOENIX NEWS