Hichilema honours 20 Zambians on Independence Day, from the Trade Kings founder to the man who helped rescue 13 abducted girls

President Hakainde Hichilema presented national honours to 20 people at an investiture ceremony at State House in Lusaka on Saturday 24 October, as part of the celebrations for Zambia's 62nd anniversary of independence. Carol Kanyemba, the coach who promotes girls' football, and the late footballer Ashious Melu were among those awarded the President's Insignia of Meritorious Achievement. Iqbal Patel, the founder and chairman of Trade Kings, was recognised for investments that the citation credits with creating more than 16,000 jobs. He said the recognition would motivate the company. Yaochi Huang, proprietor of Wonderful Group, was honoured for his business contributions, and Mr and Mrs Sharadchandra Desai were honoured together for education, healthcare and community development. Some of the honourees are people who never held office. Robby Chitambo was recognised for helping to rescue 13 girls abducted in Lusaka in 2022, among them Pamela Chisumpa. Newton Nalumilo was honoured for rescuing a fellow fisherman from a crocodile attack. Veronica Kunda was honoured as a firefighting instructor. The list also looked back to the struggle for independence. Timothy Hakalinda, a freedom fighter who lost his left eye in that struggle, was honoured, as were Mwewa Chibwe, Rabson Chibululu and Saul Mambepa, recognised for their efforts, which included restricting the movement of colonialists. The late Ambassador Cox Sikumba was recognised for peacekeeping work in Mozambique. His widow, Naomi Sikumba, thanked the President and said the honour meant a great deal to the family, given that her husband died in the 1986 plane crash that also killed Mozambique's then president, Samora Machel. Others on the list were Joseph Daka, for contributions to agricultural development, and Professor Chalo Bayeyani and Dr George Lipimile, for contributions to international law. Dr Michael Chilala was recognised for education reforms and digital development, and Mubmwae Smith for education and