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Christian Democratic Party president, Dan Pule, has told the court that his controversial remarks on government appointments were intended to raise accountability concerns and not to target the Tonga-speaking people, saying he was sorry.
Testifying in his defence in a matter where he is charged with seditious practices, Pule apologised to anyone who felt offended by his comments and insisted he harboured no tribal animosity.
“If my comments were taken to mean that I am against Tongas being appointed in government, that was not my intention,” Pule said. “I am not anti-Tonga, and I love the Tonga people.”
He stressed that his personal life reflected this, noting that his son-in-law is Tonga and a grandson of the late politician Mainza Chona.
“If any of my Tonga friends were offended about that, I am sorry… it was not my intention,” he added.
Pule explained that the remarks were made during a United Kwacha Alliance press briefing held in Lusaka on May 8, 2024, where opposition leaders discussed governance concerns, including the cost of living and the treatment of political critics.
He said he had been asked to address what he viewed as an imbalance in regional representation within Cabinet, the civil service, diplomatic service and the judiciary.
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Pule pointed to several senior government appointments which he said predominantly came from the Zambezi region—comprising North-Western, Western and Southern provinces—including Cabinet ministers and Heads of State institutions.
He told the court that his comments were based on constitutional provisions, citing Article 59, which guides presidential appointments, and Section 173, which emphasises inclusiveness.
According to Pule, his intention was to highlight constitutional principles rather than inflame regional divisions.
Pule is being represented by defence lawyers including Sakwiba Sikota, Chifumu Banda and Jack Mwaaba, among others.
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