Chishala Kateka

"I am retired and have stepped down from all my board responsibilities, so my days no longer follow a strict 8-to-5 schedule. As a result, I now have more time on my hands. My family life is also less demanding my youngest child is married, and while I have a grandson, his primary caregivers are his parents. After all, I’m simply enjoying my role as a grandmother."

"In 1976, I became the first woman elected as Treasurer of the University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU). In 2004, I founded Youth with a Vision for Zambia, a non-governmental organization dedicated to addressing the concerns of young adults aged 18 to 40, with a focus on fostering mindset change. I am also a founding member of the Heritage Party, established as a political party in 2001 under former Vice President Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda. After Brig. Gen. Miyanda stepped away from active politics in 2020, I revitalized the Heritage Party under its new name, the New Heritage Party (NHP). In the 2021 general election, I ran as the partys presidential candidate, becoming the only female candidate and placing seventh out of 16 candidates. Currently, I am the President of the New Heritage Party and am committed to leading the party to form a government in 2026."

"For some reason, it seems that women face more criticism than men. It’s well-known that women in politics around the world encounter unique challenges, such as limited financial resources to support their careers, intimidation—often from male counterparts and both sexual and verbal harassment, as statistics reveal."

"I am a Zambian businesswoman and esteemed corporate leader who participated in the August 2021 presidential election as the candidate for the New Heritage Party. My career includes experience with the World Bank, and I made history as the first woman appointed as Chairperson of the boards of Barclays Bank Zambia (now ABSA) PLC and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). I have also served on numerous boards and committees across government, quasi-government, and private institutions. From 2012 to December 2017, I represented Africa on the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) under the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) in New York."

"Every society has seven key pillars that shape its culture: the financial/business sector, education, family, religion, entertainment and arts, media, and government. While all of these are significant, government and religion are the most influential. If I had to choose only one, it would be government, as its impact reaches all these areas swiftly and decisively. When individuals who are ill-equipped assume government leadership, the consequences can be devastating, affecting generations. The dependency syndrome we see today can be traced back to the era of the one-party state. In short, more capable people need to step forward to serve at this level, or we risk being led by those lacking the necessary competence. That’s precisely what I’m striving to do."

"I view this as a calling, and like any calling, it requires grace to fulfill. As a female politician, I do face unique challenges that my male counterparts may not experience. However, I’ve encountered fewer of these obstacles compared to younger female politicians. I can recall only two instances where I received highly offensive, sexually charged comments. Beyond that, the challenges I face are similar to those encountered by politicians in general."

"Zambia must start exploring ways to harness its wealth. As the New Heritage Party, we believe the time has come for our nation to seek solutions that truly benefit Zambia."

"Many people join the ruling party to secure government contracts or make money. There were high expectations for the UPND, but much of their programming has been marked by confusion. "If the new dawn government chooses to follow in the footsteps of previous political parties, we can expect the same outcomes. In reality, not much has changed; what we are witnessing is a continuation of the same issues."

"They decided to advertise the stalls because they had repossessed some from individuals who had not moved in after acquiring them when the market opened. Other stalls were taken back due to owners failing to make payments, and management needed to ensure they were occupied."

"I feel I’ve reached a point in my life where I find greater fulfillment in what I’m doing now than ever before. I believe I can make a positive impact on a wider circle of people than in any of my previous roles."

"I believe we’re making great progress. As the New Heritage Party, we’re certainly being heard as we address key issues affecting the nation. The feedback has been very positive and encouraging."

"Zambian politics, like in many countries, stands at a crossroads. On one side is the old, self-serving approach that has held us back, and on the other is a new kind of politics one focused on progress rather than personalities, revenge, or name-calling. This fresh approach is what Zambia needs, and it is already emerging. The New Heritage Party, along with a few other parties, is committed to this vision. That’s why one of the five pillars in our plan is to foster a new breed of leadership. A shift in thinking is essential to addressing the challenges our country currently faces."