Speaker Nelly B. K. Mutti

Fellow citizens,
Zambia has, today, Tuesday, 2nd July, 2024, signed the Agreement Amending the SADC Treaty on the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum into a Regional Parliament in Luanda, Angola. The Treaty was signed on the sidelines of the ongoing 55th SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly by Honourable Princess Kasune, MP, Minister of Justice, who was designated by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, pursuant to Article 92 (1) of the Constitution of Zambia, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia
I am delighted that the Forum is now at the verge of actualising the dream of many years of it being transformed into a Regional Parliament as is the case in other regional blocks in Africa. I am confident that the transformation will strengthen the implementation of resolutions by the Forum and action by member Parliaments.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by SADC Speakers, SADC Parliamentary Forum- Secretariat, SADC secretariat, Zambia’s Chargé D Affaires to Angola, Mrs Roster Kapaya and other senior Government officials from the Government of Angola.
The Agreement Amending the SADC Treaty was adopted by the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit at its meeting held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo on 17 August 2022. The Agreement establishes SADC Parliament as one of the Institutions of SADC under Article 9(1) of the SADC Treaty.
The Agreement requires signatures by twelve (12) SADC Member States for it to be operational as a regional Parliament. Zambia becomes the eleventh SADC Member State to sign the Agreement after Namibia who signed on 26th June, 2024.

Fellow citizens, tonight I will hoist the national flag at midnight to mark the official celebration of the 100 years of existence of the Zambian Legislature which held its first meeting on 23rd May, 1924.
Follow the proceedings on Parliament TV and the National Assembly social media platforms.

Nelly Mutti
Speaker of the National Assembly

Fellow citizens,
I was delighted to attend the colourful 2024 Kuomboka Ceremony attended by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema and graced by His Royal Highness Paramount Chief Chitimukulu. As we continue celebrating this year’s Kuomboka ceremony, it is important to reflect on the importance of preserving our traditions, protecting our environment, loving each other and working together to develop our nation.
In this regard, I am delighted that under ’S PLANT A TREE CHALLENGE, I led a tree planting activity at Makapaela New Apostolic School in Makapaela, Limulunga District, which also happens to be my home village. This underscores my commitment of planting trees in schools in order to fight the negative effects of climate change.
I have since challenged the school to encourage each of the 241 pupils at the school to plant a tree.

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Nelly Mutti
Speaker of the National Assembly

Fellow citizens,

Following my launch of the “Speaker’s Plant a Tree Challenge” on Monday, 4th March, 2024, Wanpa Green Life Conservation has carried over the drive of planting trees in schools in order to fight the negative effects of climate change.

It is gratifying seeing pupils who are the future for tomorrow challenging the parents who are the leaders of today, to join the challenge and plant a tree.

A big thank you to Ms Elena Bervely Namukwanya of Wanpa Green Life Conservation for the effort towards combating climate change.

Together we can. # Speaker’s Plant a Tree Challenge.

Nelly Mutti
Speaker of the National Assembly

Fellow citizens, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema has conferred on me the status of State Counsel.

I was conferred with the status of State Counsel with four others namely; Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Jack Mwiimbu (MP), Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chairperson, Ms. Mwangala Zalomous, prominent Lusaka lawyer Abdullah Dudhia and Ms. Mwanza Chibiya respectively. This was at a swearing in ceremony at State House held today, Wednesday, 13th March, 2024.

Let me hasten to dedicate this noble achievement to all the women and the girl child in Zambia. This stands as an encouragement to the girl child that with focus, hard work and determination, our dreams and aspirations can be achieved. The significance of the aforesaid achievement underscores the President’s unwavering commitment in ensuring that women are given the much-needed platform in the governance of our great nation.

The title of State Counsel signifies a substantial level of expertise, responsibility, and authority in the legal field, often involving complex legal issues and important public interest matters. It further demands one to distinguish themselves thereby setting as an example and a role model in the legal field.

Fellow citizens, thank you for your usual continued support in our quest to serving our beloved country.

Rt Hon Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti, SC, MP, FAPRA
SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Fellow citizens, I have initiated the “Speaker’s Plant a Tree Challenge” aimed at instilling a sense of environmental consciousness among the citizens and encouraging them to act within their capacities to combat climate change.
I call upon every Zambian citizen to actively engage in tree planting activities in a bid to fight the negative effects of climate change. As a barest minimum, if each one of us planted a tree, we will have more than 20 million trees planted.
To demonstrate my commitment to this initiative, I led some Members of Parliament, staff of the National Assembly and my family in planting trees on Monday, 4th March, 2024.
Together we can fight climate change.
Nelly Mutti
Speaker of the National Assembly

Fellow Citizens,
I would like to inform the public that the Third Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, which adjourned sine die on Friday, 15th December 2023 will resume on Tuesday, 13th February, 2024 at 14:30 hours.

During the previous sitting, which was mainly a budget meeting, the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane presented the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the Financial Year 1st January to 31st December 2024 pursuant to Article 202 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016. The Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure were referred to the Expanded Planning and Budgeting Committee for detailed scrutiny in accordance with Standing Order No. 157 (4) of the National Assembly Orders. The House debated the budget and passed it.

The sitting which resumes on Tuesday, 13th February 2024 is a legislative meeting and is therefore, dedicated mainly to consideration of proposed legislation. I would like to encourage citizens and various stakeholders to take interest in the proceedings and actively participate by making submissions through various committees of the House.

I also want to invite you to follow live proceedings on my page. From Tuesday to Thursday, the House seats from 14:30 hours and Friday from 09:00 hours.

Thank you all.

Fellow Citizens,

Unfortunately some people have made a fake account in the name of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti. Please take note that the masquerading account only uses the names “Nelly Mutti” while the OFFICIAL FACEBOOK for the Speaker has the name “Speaker Nelly B. K. Mutti” whose link here… https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095052529637

This Facebook account has nothing to do with the Speaker. The page has since been reported and we hope it will be removed immediately. As you maybe aware, SCAMMERS are busy trying to find means and ways of duping unsuspecting members of the public and Facebook is one of the platforms they are using.

If you ever get suspicious contact attempts, messages from somebody pretending to be the Speaker, please disregard such and report to Facebook immediately so that they can be removed.

Fellow citizens,

Today I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP), an organ of the Global Council of Tolerance and Peace (GCTP), and the National Assembly of Zambia, aimed at fostering cooperation in promoting tolerance and peace. Under the MoU, the two parties will establish permanent relations in building tolerance and peace.

Earlier in the day, I attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting at COP28, during which I chaired, on behalf of the IPU President, Dr Tulia Ackson, the High Level Panel of Speakers of Parliament focused on strides made by Parliaments in the implementation of the Paris Agreement. I also participated in a round table discussion on how Women and Young MPs can make a difference in climate change governance, and create partnerships for change.

I am delighted that for the first time, the participation of Parliamentarians at the Conference of Parties (COP) has been enhanced by the presence of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Parliamentary Pavilion. Several Speakers are attending COP28 and I am proud to be the first Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia to participate in the Conference of Parties and will ensure that, going forward, the legislature registers its presence at the Conference. Taking part in these meetings will enable the legislature to provide the necessary oversight on the Executive and effectively discharge its constitutional mandate of approving international agreements and treaties as promulgated under Article 63 (2) (e) of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act NO. 2 of 2016.

Fellow citizens,

I regret to inform you that the Former Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, The Rt Honourable Amusaa Katunda Mwanamwambwa, GCDS passed away last night, Saturday, 21st October, 2023 at Forest Park Hospital in Lusaka.
Honourable Mwanamwambwa will be remembered for his distinguished service to the nation having served as Speaker of the National Assembly from 1998 to 2011, a Cabinet Minister in various Ministries and as a diplomat. During his tenure as Speaker of the National Assembly, he championed Parliamentary Reforms which resulted in the National Assembly realigning itself with the trending parliamentary practices. The establishment of Constituency Offices and the Media and Visitors Centre at Parliament Buildings were among his key flagship projects.
The official statement on the funeral arrangements will be issued by Cabinet Office
May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Nelly Mutti,
Speaker of the National Assembly.