Republican President Michael Sata has challenged United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema to explain to the Commonwealth the source of his wealth when they visit Zambia.

Speaking this morning at State House the during the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy Ministers and Diplomats, the president said that the invitation of the Commonwealth by the opposition to probe his government’s alleged human rights violations will be an opportunity for opposition UPND leaders Hakainde Hichilema to explain to the Commonwealth the source of his wealth.

The president has had issues with the source of wealth of the UPND leader. Last year during another swearing in ceromony at State House, President Sata said that he was shocked by revelations that opposition leader Mr Hichilema may be worth as much as $72 million.

“You have worked for a long time but you are not as rich as some politicians. Surprisingly in Zambia, some politicians are richer than workers in formal employment, ” the president said at the time.

Meanwhile, President Michael Sata has noted that the country is blessed with abundant natural resources and yet the levels of unemployment are still high in the country.

The head of state said the country should not be facing issues of unemployment 49 years after independence.

The President was speaking at State House today when he swore in newly appointed Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President Davies Mwango and Deputy Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Malama Mwiimba.

Mr Sata also swore in Zambia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China Eva Fundafunda and High Commission to Malaysia Miles Kaweche Banda.

He urged the two deputy ministers to ensure that the levels of unemployment in the country are reduced considering the resources that the country has.

The President also urged the newly sworn in Ambassador and the High Commissioner to be wary of investors that are coming into the country for their personal gains.

He disclosed that most of the investors that are coming into the country are interested in the copper that the country depends on economically.

Mr Sata also appealed to Mr Banda and Ms Fundafunda to go and sell Zambia abroad.

Those who witnessed the swearing in ceremony include Home Affairs Minister Edgar Lungu, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Kennedy Sakeni and Lusaka Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe.