TRIBALISM is a cancer that should never be tolerated as all Zambians are equal regardless of their tribe, says National Democratic Congress (NDC) consultant and Political heavyweight Chishimba Kambwili.

The Roan PF member of parliament, who graced the newly formed party’s central committee meeting in Luanshya on Saturday, advised NDC members to embrace people from all the ten regions of the country.

He said people were joining the NDC because it was a people’s party that was earnestly trying to address the plight of the majority poor Zambians.

“As NDC central committee, ensure that you take tribal balancing as a matter of priority. This is a people’s party, it is amazing how this party has transformed itself into a mass movement barely 90 days after its formation. Let us not relent but take a bull by its horn, we are destined to take over government in 2021.The Zambian people need this party as it is a true people’s party,” Kambwili told the first NDC central committee meeting.

“We have continued receiving recognition from people from all walks of life, including the traditional leadership of the country. Let the party continue promoting and championing unity of purpose; I am delighted to learn that in the spirit of unity of purpose and inclusiveness, NDC has made changes at central committee level by including Zambians from different ethnic backgrounds. Tribalism is a cancer that should not be tolerated at all, it must end.”

He said he was particularly happy with the appointment of Bridget Attanga as NDC deputy secretary general. Attanga is the former PF deputy secretary general.

The meeting also appointed singer Saboi Imboela as chairperson for gender while former Copperbelt PF chairman Menyani Zulu was named national chairman for defence and security.

Former Chimwemwe ward councilor and NDC founder member Charles Kabwita continues as national youth chairman while Ackson Simwizye was named Chairman of elections. Former Zambia Railways director Professor Muyenge Attanga has been appointed chairperson for higher education.

The central committee, headed by secretary general Mwenya Musenge, was also informed that the party manifesto would be ready next month as the document was still being drafted by experienced scholars and stakeholders.