Friday, March 29, 2024

RB urges students abroad to return to Zambia after graduation

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President Rupiah Banda has urged Zambian students studying abroad to be patriotic enough to return to Zambia and apply their education to developing the country.

President Banda said Zambian professionals should be patriotic enough to accept to work even in rural areas upon completion of their studies locally or abroad.

He said this in Havana yesterday when he addressed Zambian students studying in various disciplines in Cuba.
He said although there is unemployment in Zambia, the country still has a shortage of manpower especially in the medical field.

“Please come back home with a spirit of sacrifice like Cubans. A country is built by its own people through their patriotism and hard work,” he said.

President Banda hoped that Zambian students studying abroad would accept to work anywhere in the country after they complete their studies.

“Many of you are on scholarships from the government of Zambia and we want you to come back and work in Zambia. But you must be willing to go to rural areas,” he stressed.

The President noted that his government was in the process of rebuilding the country hence the need for educated Zambians to devote their energies and knowledge by working for their country.

And the representative of the Zambian Students in Cuba, Luyando Mapanza requested government to provide some requirements for students studying abroad.

Mr Mapanza said students were facing a challenge of lack of attires such as protective clothing and other requirements in their studies.
He also asked government to find a way of constantly informing students in the diaspora about what was happening back home.

“We promise to give back to Zambia our best when we complete our studies,” he pledged.

In another development, African diplomats accredited to Cuba have paid profound tribute to President Rupiah Banda for honouring former Cuban President, Fidel Castro, with an Order of the Eagle of Zambia First Division for his commendable service to his country and others.

Speaking on behalf of other diplomats, Congo Brazzaville’s Ambassador to Cuba, Pascal Onguemby, said Africa’s envoys in Cuba were happy with President Banda’s reasons for awarding Mr. Castro.

Ambassador Onguemby said President Banda was a great man hence he thought about honouring the former head of Cuba, who is still the commander in chief.

He was speaking yesterday when 15 out of 22 African diplomats accredited to Cuba paid a courtesy call on President Banda at his lounge.

He said Africa was proud of President Banda’s gesture to Cuba, adding that diplomats were grateful for his advice for them to be loyal to their countries and to Cuba.

And the diplomats joined President Banda in calling on the United States of America to lift the economic sanctions imposed on Cuba.

Meanwhile, President Banda has told African diplomats accredited to Cuba that African heads of state and government were determined to transform the continent into a united and prosperous territory.

Mr Banda said African heads have been meeting to agree on how to drive Africa towards a formidable and economically viable continent.
He said although Africa was faced with many problems, the continent was capable of heaving out of its current economic status if all its countries’ leaders cooperated with one interest.

Diplomats that attended the meeting are from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Libya, Cape Verde, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Ghana, Namibia, Angola, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sarahari, and Burkina Faso.

President Banda, who is accompanied to Cuba by First Lady Thandiwe Banda, Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande and senior government officials, leaves Cuba for Zambia today.

He has been in Cuba since Monday for a three day state visit following the invitation by Cuba’s President, Raul Castro Ruiz.

ZANIS

50 COMMENTS

  1. Rupiah is just talking rubbish. Who would want to return to Zambia and be governed by the likes of Tetamashimba, Shikapwasha, Mulongoti, and Rupiah. Just forget…

  2. This one is a real Joker. Ok here is a challange Mr Big nose. I live abroad and have a well paying job. I live comfortably and have a a little to spare at the end of the month. I come from a very humble background in Zed which means i probably have lived in a rural area of zambia and thats where my roots are. Do i miss it there? Honnestly, YES, because it is my home. Do i wanna go back there? NO!! Nshilefwaya ukuchula again. so here is the deal. Pay me enough to make me live well and i ll jump on the next plane to zed. Simple!!!!

  3. Its not possible go back especially in the rural areas where services like internet are none existent.

  4. why should these student go back to work in the rural areas, when RB himself old as he is, failed to concentrate at his farm but applied for a job from Levy? get real ba RB!!

  5. Enough incentives should be in place before one can think of going back. Those on government scholarhsips may not have much options though…so they will at the end of their degrees expected to return

  6. RUPIAH WANYA FYE IWE MUSHINDILA KUCHULU, COMING BACK TO ZAMBIA AND WORK IN THE RURAL AREA. WECHIPUBAWE. WE ARE EARNING ALOT OF MONEY ABROAD AND YOU TELLING US TO COME BACK TO ZAMBIA WERE YOU ARE GOING TO PAY US K1MILLION. WHAT CAN I DO WITH THAT MONEY. ULI MPOPO SANA. AND WHEREVER YOU GO, YOU ALWAYS HAVE SAME SPEECH. GET OUT WECHIBWAWE YOU MAKE ME SICK

  7. but Rupiah mudala iwe…u never cease to amaze me!is this man OK “up-there” …..awe kwena ,coz even my 8 year old daughter can clearly see that zed is no good place to live in.and then wemukulu onse iwe ati “students should come bak 2 zed” atase iwe,kwati uletutumfya.just look at yoself :
    1.u failed to live at your farm  
    2.u ALWAYS fail to stay in statehouse,Lsk(ur always on the move) 

  8. He said although there is unemployment …………………………………. I stopped reading just there.

  9. Same speech over and over.Why are reporters forgeting to name Sakwiba Sikota as part of the delegation,coz we know he is there with Kanitundila at taxpayer’s expense

  10. RB, before I even consider returning to Zambia, please answer the following questions:
    1. Will you give me a well paying job so I can enjoy the standard of living I’m accustomed to? Will you provide me with free reliable health care? Will you arrange for someone to pick up my household garbage on a weekly basis instead of me digging a pit in my backyard? Will you provide safe and reliable public transport? Will you provide good schools for my children to go to? Will my children be able to attend a good university, preferably one that’s not constantly closing?

  11. R.B. reality is these guys can’t come back…you should have appealed for them to remit more money to their folks back home so that a difference is made in these peoples lives.Calling people to come back here??So that you increase competition for the already scarce jobs? Bana jaila kwamene uko, naise tina jaila kwamene kuno…so leave the status quo as it is

  12. U need a plan in place old man before you tell us what to do with our future. CREAT EMPLYEMENT OPPROTUNITIES FIRST!!!!!!!! Doctors are always going on strike because your govt. is not paying proffessionals a reasonable salary. Here is news for you RB, I cant a $60 000 education and make K4 000 000 a month!!

  13. U need a plan in place old man before you tell us what to do with our future. CREATE EMPLYEMENT OPPROTUNITIES FIRST!!!!!!!! Doctors are always going on strike because your govt. is not paying proffessionals a reasonable salary. Here is news for you RB, I cant get a $60 000 education and then make K4 000 000 a month!! It just doesn’t add up.

  14. Goodafternoon
    What about the thousands of Zambian graduates (many of whom I personally know) that have returned to Zambia and ended up either frustrated by the way the system (mal)functions or have quickly headed back to settle down where they studied? I’m sure Mr. President knows about them too.
    Fact is: unless things begin to change for the better, no one will be “patriotic” enough to raise his family in a rural area after tasting the previlledges of the West. There is just too much survival tension in Zambia which shortens one’s lifespan. Initially I also had plans of retuning home after my studies, but after carefully studying the scenario there, I decided to settle here first and I think it was not a bad move.

  15. People don’t go into higher education in order to be patriotic in rural areas they do so in order to make their lives better. Education is very expensive nowadays especially abroad and at the end of it all most students look for some sort of fiscal reimbursement not patriotism.

  16. Ba Rupiya Banda kwati nikapaso baikata kuliba boss bakwe. The guy in black suit looks more like a president than him. Look at ichimutwe. I studied and work in Europe, i send money to my family and i have a sister studying and living here with me, i have never even thought of coming back to look for a job, where? with RB, Kafupi and other stupid and useless politicians still running the show…forget u liar.

  17. The new office at State house dealing with the diaspora MUST read these comments on LT.

    RB is never at home, yet he want others to go home. This man may even have children living abroad.

  18. Zambians studying, working and living abroad are very patriotic. The Govt is the one that needs to be very patriotic by sharing their hefty allowances, hefty per diems, luxurious houses,luxurious cars, luxurious medical options of being treated abroad amongst other things by providing systems and opportunities for Zambians whether in Rural or urban areas to fufill their dreams, goals and purposes in Life. Talking without creating a progressive atmosphere in the country won’t address the concerns and situations in Zambia. God bless Zambia and God bless every patriotic Zambian whether by geographic location or by commitment.One day Zambians shall overcome

  19. Iye iwe Mike Mulongoti or whatever you call yourself, please you are way too far with your filthy language. If you dont like the man, better off keeping quiet than pollute us here with your insults. Doesnt make sense at all. Only shows how much of a complex u got and your background too…….very questionable. Some of us are making it here big time. We work and earn enough to even buy cars on cash basis noti iyo iyankongole uko and am only 29 but already am buidling my own house in a good residential area . I wonder where ur from but wherever it is, am sure its nothing to write home about thats yo ud rather be there working in Mcdonalds and other shops trying to make ends meet just so you could pay those huge bills and car debts. Ufwile ulinchunshi oko wafuma………. GET A LIFE!!!!

  20. Please come back all of you. All the developed nations were not able to give their citzens great lifes from the begining but with your input , your leadership, your dilligent and effecient work we might gat there. Even countries need sacrifice,.,.

  21. You chaps abroad must be a laughing stock to the patriotic citizens of the countries you live in. You are using your skills to develop the future of other countries. Making a better world for their kids and grand kids. And for yourselves…….zero. Mulifipuba!!! You a proudly stating you will not come back until RB rectifies the contentious issues. If you dont come and champion the cause who do you think will!! The problem with Zed is we think of ourselves and not the nation at large. Its not only the polititians who are guilty of this its all of you. You cant even vote for your own coutnry man in Big Brother coz aka beula ukunchila. What a shame mulekwata ko insoni na pride bangwele

  22. Anyway I understand its hard to make a decision between your family needs and the national requirements. However if you chose the former, I feel you should not be the harshest of critics because you have made your decision to watch the rot as opposed to trying to improve the situation

  23. I would be more than willing to invest in Zed. My questions; are there any incentives in Zed for those of us wanting to return or even invest? With corruption being the biggest culprit, am NOT sure am ready to start boshaling every knuckle head just to get a business license befroe I even start my business. Kanitundial, please know that until some if not all of these things change, me and most of my friends/family are not ready to “come” back home. Make it right in all areas then come holla at Mr. Mosi. If not, then don’t ever coem back to NY and yap that yikiliyap. BTW, the picture you have up here LT is scarY. Where waS RB, in a morgue, WTH?

  24. an employment is still high in zambian.i should come and stay jobless,without electricity and clean water.no speacalist in hospitals.

  25. Zedan 33 is right in. Is America, Japan, China what it is coz of leadership alone??? hell no!! You need to come vote, influence policy, work dilligently, advocate, develop your rural areas, bring out your TQM skills, introduce innivative ideas etc

  26. Zambia is the only country where the countrymen want everyone to come back and yet theres 1000’s of jobless zambian graduates. You want people from the diaspora and yet you turn a blind eye to homegrown graduates, it’s like you are saying the people to develop the country can only come from outside . Theres obviously unemployment and you want to increase the number of the unemployed and call it patriotism? Patriotism doesn’t require geographic presence take the israeli’s for instance or indians and how the send money to their countries to help. Patriotism is Zambia has a twisted meaning because people abroad send a lot of money to help their extended families but some of you think someone needs to come back and become jobless and thats patriotism

  27. I think while a lot of us are comfortable abroad the fact is that is not home. One thing while its important they are jobs why are we as Zambians afraid to come home and create employment by being innovative. I mean take advantage of things such as CEEC and the likes I think being abroad has had some eye opening experiences which you should be able to capitalize. I am sure people will say you need connections and what not. Guys if you work hard enough you can get those connections by join networking organisations such as the Institute of Directors, Lions Club and the rest. Btw some of you people dont live the glamorous lives you pretend to abroad and as a result you resort to marrying for papers and all. That being said enjoy life abroad and let us who want to be innovative get rich.

  28. Okey people lets get real here. I know most of us here are happy to be living abroad not because we have good jobs and we have great health insurance mostly its because we are able to support our extended families back home who are not working or orphans who have lost their parents. Personally I don’t see myself going back to zed anytime soon unless I have a solid plan that will make money when I get there. We have alot UNZ A and CBU grads roaming the streets with no jobs, so for me to go back I need to have my own company so that I can employ those grads.

  29. Even a minister can go abroad. Listen to this bbc article titled First black FTSE 100 boss at Prudential.

    Tidjane Thiam will become chief executive of Prudential in October, becoming the first black head of a FTSE 100 company.

    Mr Thiam joined Prudential from Aviva in 2007 and is now finance director at the firm. He will replace Mark Tucker.

    Originally from the Ivory Coast, Mr Thiam had previously been the country’s Minister of Planning and Development.

    Mr Thiam will be one of a limited number of ethnic minorities who are represented in the UK’s boardrooms. source news.bbc.co.uk

  30. #36 contd. An avid Arsenal supporter, he studied engineering in Paris and obtained an MBA from INSEAD. Before working at Aviva for five years, he was employed at McKinsey’s Paris offices.

    Mr Thiam joins the few ethnic minorities such as Damon Buffini, boss of private equity firm Permira, represented in the UK’s boardrooms.

    “He is immensely charming,” said ING equities analyst Kevin Ryan.

    “He has a brain the size of two solar systems, he is a very, very clever bloke,” he added.

    Sandra Kerr, director of Race for Opportunity which campaigns for equality in the workplace, described Mr Thiam’s appointment as a “watershed” moment.”However, it should be remembered that Tidjane Thiam was born and educated outside of the United Kingdom. His success should not be claimed…

  31. Dont you all think this is kind of like the egg or the chicken. Are you waiting for the golden egg ?or are you the chicken that will lay it?. It sounds like we all want prosperity but its all about what we want to do to get it. You might just keep watching from a distance as things get worse and wondering why. But some years from now, you will be old and your kids will ask where were you when all this was happening, and they wll heap the same blame on you just the way you balme the MMD and you previously blamed UNIP. I guess there is nothing safer than to distance yourself what you perceive as failure, and sit comfortably in your ivory tower

  32. I agree, most of us have “made” it if you call it that and we probably can do ok without handouts. The most important thing I think our Z government need to seriously look at is, what can attractive us people in these foreign countries back to ZAMBIA? Incentives my friends…where are they in Zambia? I can go to Z today with business plan and all these ideas in my headwith the intentions of first, making money and also creating employement. But, without an incentive to even help me get my foot on the ground, this would be a none starter move. CNP=CHIMBWI NO PLAN.

  33. the same ba nyama saying we should come back should be the first ones to the rural areas to set up an example. Problem ba nyama you just want us to come back so that we can hit rock bottom not because you want to help. Sumu sekelamo ati tikudya bwino kwa azungu so munama ati come back to help when in actual fact mufuna tivutike pamodzi then museke ati phiri anabwela

  34. For some that are critisizing Diasporans, do you know that part of the money that Donors give Zambia for Development Projects is part of the Zambian’s Diasporas tax money which they pay in the developed countries. I think it needs to be very clear when Donor money is highly praised to not only look at it as coming from caucasians only but to look at it from a bigger picture meaning it includes diasporans tax money paid in the Developed Countries they are working in ,because those Developed Countries are highly accountable and strategic and they have surplus to give away and they do not misuse that money.

  35. I think it is high time people got rid of the stereotypes ,making general assumptions on some isolated cases of people who work low level jobs abroad (i am actually even proud of those people because at least they take care of their families and if they can improve their education they can get proffessional jobs).The same stereotypes you have are the same stereotypes that Developed Nationals have that everyone in Africa lives in huts,trees based upon what they have seen on CNN and it is really hard to convince them unless they travel to Africa themselves to see the other side that CNN,BBC etc does not report. My suggestion to those who have stereotypes of Diasporans working abroad, is for them to visit and see the different categories of Diasporans other than basing it all on stereotypes.

  36. provide more jobs and salaries then people will be able to go back 2 zed not in a case werebu u finish grade 12 , got gud result yet you don’t find a job and company bosses only employ there relatives. so u need to put into consideration of these factors before telling people to go back.

  37. The question should be not are there any jobs in Zambia, is as ZAmbians in diaspora are we ready in invest in Zambia in order to create jobs are we able to work together to achive the goal? If its waiting for employment from the government of RB i dont thik that will happen. The only way to develop our country is for us to come together and make a good plan and make it work. But another hindering fact is coruption-Look at kavindele, a Zambian who wanted to invest in his own country to compete with other foreign companies what has happen to him, they have kick him out from the scenario but can that happen to us. RB has tobe serious with what he is talking about. If he can allow fairness then i thik we need to invest for our nation to develop.

  38. #44 Good thinking. However, Kavindele is just another crook – no sympathy for him. I can assure you that he is just a front for another foreign “investor”.

  39. People go back when economies back home prosper. Look at Spain, Poland. Ireland etc. Their nationals trekked back when things turned better. When Zambia’s economy prospers, those in teh diaspora will need no one to tell them go home. After all they were there, they left for greener pastures. Zambian students remain abroad because they know life is better than back home.

  40. It just shows that bwana you have run out of ideas,or rather Ahlzeimers is settling in…time to leave state house and go to your farm….we are waiting for you and your boot-lickers to vacate the Govt and Lusaka we want to clean and make Zambia proud again…..you have brought untold misery to honest zambian people yes because you are not a Zambian,you were born in Zimbabwe maybe you should fight Gabriel to leave Harare….for heavens sake stop gargling trash……your time has come…………TO LEAVE ZAMBIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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