Friday, March 29, 2024

VJ hopes Kabimba’s sacking will move constitution making process

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Veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga says he is hopeful that the sacking of Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba will help move the constitution making process.

Dr Mwaanga said many stakeholders believed that Mr Kabimba was a stumbling block to the process of enacting a new people driven constitution.

He said the recent changes that have been made in Government should result in progressive achievements in the people’s demands for a new constitution.

Dr Mwaanga was speaking in Lusaka Saturday afternoon when he delivered a solidarity speech during the general meeting for the Grand Coalition for a People-Driven Constitution held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

“With the recent changes in government, we can only be hopeful that finally we will be able to see the draft constitution,” Dr Mwaanga said.

Dr Mwaanga also challenged Zambians to rise about their fear and demand that a new people driven constitution be enacted.

“We should not become victims of a culture of fear, you should not fear to demand what is constitutional right. It is now 11 years since Willa Mungomba was appointed to come up with a new constitution by the late President Levy Mwanawasa and today we are still grappling with the issue of constitution,” Dr Mwaanga said.

He added, “The Chinese have a saying that a journey of thousand steps starts with one. I say the time for Zambians to complete the journey on the constitution is now.”

Dr Mwaanga recalled that on 14th October 2011, President Sata went to Parliament and promised that his administration will enact a new constitution within 90 days which will be subjected to a referendum.

“It is 30th August 2014, Zambians have not seen the new constitution and the final draft has not been seen. As a people, we have to start holding our leaders accountable to these grand promises they make.”

47 COMMENTS

  1. I don’t see how WK’s firing will result in the constitution process moving forward After all, it’s on record that the main stumbling block is Michael Sata who has repeatedly said Zambia has a valid constitution and does not need a new one.
    Shouldn’t the strategy be about how to tackle Sata so that the process can move forward?

    • Correct! It is Sata and the entire PF that’s blocking constitutional reforms. And as for VJ why doesn’t he just shut up. The constitutional impasse we have now is as a result of Kaunda, Chiluba, Mwanawasa, Banda and Sata and all those who were in government with them like this same VJ. These are maggots who always speak like mature nationalists only when they are out of government.

    • I hope the violence, abuse of PoA, infringement on personal liberties, lack of media freedom and the harassment of opposition political leaders will now end with Kabimba’s dismissal

    • VJ you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

      We dont have a short memory. we know that you were part of the regime that should have given the Zambians a people driven constitution but because the situation suited you and your cronies then, you just squandered our money and ignored the cries.

      If you want people to take you seriously, you must first apologize and seek the Zambian people’s forgiveness.

      You are just a shameless opportunist

    • i agree with you 100%. People of Zambia, lets not get confused and get carried away by the firing of kabimba. the major problem we have here is Sata. Sata likes using people and winter was used and thrown away like a condom. winter had his own issues, probably personailty issues, but he only did what the chap was told to do. most southerners i know are quite principled and would not want to be used but winter allowed himself to be a useful *****. so lets not lose focus on the major problem i.e. SATA , PF and the bemba clique. this chaps have no shame and will do anything to stay in power.

    • What is football match kanshi lelo? Enough of Kabimba, let him rest in peace.
      I heard that VJ charges speeches per minute same price as a grand stand ticket in today’s match Zambia vs Sudan?

  2. Dr.Mwaanga should be the last person to comment on the constitution.I understand you are a citizen of Zambia and entitled to freedom of expression.But my question is,were you not part of a regime called MMD which should have given us the constitution then?But through your monkey tricks,and after over a decade we are still talking about the same document in its draft form.The blame is now on PF when it all started with you people.Commenting from the terraces will not earn you a good name.Apologize first to the nation for your role as an individual and as a party in delaying the delivery of a people driven constitution.

  3. It’s gutless stupidity to think that it was Kabimba who had stalled the constitution making process, this is the problem with little education that characterize Mr Mwaanga. Such paralysis or failure to see through things is what derailed this man’s career to the presidency. Inchobebeni ncobeni Vernon ngu suntwe, waka sondokide pe!

  4. Winter is a realist that is why some people of low calibre were scared of him.
    l do not think you are seeing the last of him no, he is still Michael Sata’s right hand man. The problem is that they are both quiet.
    VJ is certainly not a person you can rely on in terms of advise Winter was just doing his job just like MCS was doing his job when he spearheaded the third term for Chiluba.
    Everyone who knows Sata and Winter knows they are probably togather. Watch this space.

    • ya but the firing of that arrogant man Kabw amba can give chance to more polite members of the PF to contribute with reduced oppression and PF image brightens.Ya! right hand man at home we dont mind.

  5. Kabimba’s sacking feels like D-Day in Europe.Its not over yet as we still have to liberate our occupied Zambia and free the hostage draft constitution.Liberation of plot will be symbolic of the capture of Berlin.

    • @ Enka

      No, it does not feel like D-day in Europe but it is reminiscent of the Nazis “night of the long knives” where top echelon of SD was eliminated because become threat to its own party.

  6. From politics of the belly to politics of the pension. Go and retire gracefully and leave the constitution fight with the young generation. We’re sick and tired of people who jump on the band wagon forgetting they were part of the mess in the first place. VJ can smell something in the air. What an opportunist. These African pensioners have no shame these days.

    • True . VJ can smell something in tha air !!. This is the man who introduced rigging to Zambian politics . Caused a lot of problems even in Malawi. Brought Mandrax to Zed. List is endless. The he goat has really smelt something

  7. I do not understand why the Church and Civil Society invite morons like this one to speak at their gatherings. These are the same characters who presided over this process in different governments and failed us each time and now have the cheek to come and lecture us on the same. I feel like puking each time this old croc comes round lecturing us in the most sanctimonious manner on governance. Please save us the shame of listening to this f00l.

  8. It is Winter who helped retire VJ completely if you remember when pf came into power he offered his services but winter told him off that he only has a certificate in diplomacy in case you have forgotten hence this silly talk. I thanked winter for that because these fools do not just want to go.

    • @sata,
      Is it really true that your right hand man, Wynter, does not even like his own village elders as in this case VJ?

      Reminds me of a rural truant youth who burns his household granary after differences with his parents …

  9. I think Winter Kabimba was hard working. I differed with him over his approach to issues. Even when he was talking sense he lacked humility in his talking. Talking very authoritatively and even an issue that required humility, the man was on top of the moon speaking as though every body else was blank and was the only one with wisdom. I see Harry Kalaba going the same way commenting on every thing without humility. Wynter, this advice is meant to make you a better person, please take it.

  10. It’s good Winter is gone but how was he let to grow his foot so bigger then his own shoes?I believe every club be a party has rules,is this how to fire someone?Winter may have not been famous in his own,party,family or village but would things have been different had he been Bemba and a relation to Sata like ABC??just a different thought.

  11. Let VJ speak, you good for nothing armchair critics. What can be wrong with anyone who supports the promised constitution?

  12. I now believe that the constitution has failed not because of president sata but because of a handful of loud mouthed individuals who have nothing to contribute. VJ, Grand coalition and others have given their views on the constitution. What are your views, VJ blah blah VJ that what are your views for God’s we are waiting or SHUT UP!

  13. Its not the constituition that will develope this country but being patriotic. sata has done so much in 3yrs do we appreciate him? Even a new constituition will not change how we feel about him. UPND has a constituition of subjcting presidency to an election have they respected it?

    • Ichalo Banthu!
      Ichalo Te fikulwa!
      What shall it profit Zambia to have all the good roads, the good buildings without the rule of law, which is the bedrock of peace and freedom?
      Criminals now have the freedom to masquerade as cadres and violating the rights of fellow citizens. The police have now invaded our roads because this is where they can get free cash. Are we a Police state? It now takes double the time to get to one’s destination due to too many illegal check points! We have said before that public officers should NEVER handle liquid cash! This is what is fueling corruption and curtailing our freedoms! E-tickets are the way to go!
      I challenge RDA and RTSA chaps to visit Botswana, Namibia and SA to learn how it is done! Good Governance first then infrastructure not vice versa!

    • And you call yourself Wisdom.You should change that name to fool.Ati SAta has done so much in 3 years?Are you ok?Unplanned and unbugdetted nonsense is what you consider development?This country is cursed.How can we have pipo who think like you among us?

  14. we need good roads,schools,hospitals and revamping companies, more and efficient HEP stations thats when we shall think of a new constituition. you know the contents or what you want to be in a constituition start practising them. No one will stop you

  15. Kabimba was NOT fired by Sata he was fired by Chikwanda in Sata’s name. Sata is mentally delirious , he is not able to understand and interprete the machinations of the power struggle within PF, indeed these struggles are going on because Sata is delirious. Winter knows he was not fired by Sata .
    Now that they are going after the post , MMD and UPND should hire him as a consultant , Winter knows how PF intends to rig the elections in 2016, don’t be stupidly proud , there are no permanent friends or enemies in Politics. Kenyatta and Rutos people killed each other in the previous election , today they are in the jubilee coalition , all opponents of PF talk to WK

    • @End G…

      “Winter knows how PF intends to rig the elections in 2016, don’t be stupidly proud , there are no permanent friends or enemies in Politics”.

      Yes, this is true in African “chiefdom” stone age politics where gullible populations are inept. Where people are principled, people resign public positions and apologise for their actions before shaking hands and coming together. Here, politicians gang against the citizenry, just as PF abandoned their 90 days promises and ganged up anyone who complained and called them opposition and bad names. So fed up with this kind of stone age politics.

  16. This wishful thinking indeed empty tin Kabimba was arrogant and a nasty piece of work but he was tool and was on a tight leash, let’s not forget that the old man is a control freak, he had a say in slowing down the constitution making process. Only more pressure by us the people will speed up this process.
    At this moment nobody is even 100% sure that this man was fired by the old man but one thing I am certain of if the reports on social media of OP officers searching his home are true, one Wynter Kabimba will be regretting he had not pushed a People Driven Constitution through…the selfsame system he used to oppress his opponents will be used against him.

  17. A new Constitution will stop abuses, where “Cowboys” like Kabimba end up Hijacking the Nation for their own personal selfish ends.
    This problem has NOT gone away, with Kabimba’s demise, so unless we get the constitution asap, another “Kabimba” will morph, & rear its Ugly head from amongst the remaining crop of P.F. politicians.

  18. Correct!
    Too many abuses today especially by the so called law enforcement because our constitution is silent on many important issues!
    We should not allow things to get out of hand!
    Good constitution first!
    Yes it is good we have some improvements in infrastructure but there are weightier matters that have been neglected.
    Cadre Lawlessness goes unchecked.
    Looting of public resources as evidenced by Audit reports!
    Nepotism and Ethnocentricity in appointments (very evident).
    Disorderly housing development and underground water contamination (The Typhoid Time Bomb).
    In Zim, no one can just wake up and start selling unserviced demarcated plots!
    Sad that Zed is a country whose only sewerage system is the one the white man left!
    We need a Good Constitution to shape our national…

  19. To the very last day of his demise, Kabimba championed PF’s cause, namely, the delaying of the constitution making process. This is one reason he became so unpopular with the non-PF general public.

    Within PF, what made Kabimba unpopular was his presidential ambition and how he went about attempting to realize that goal. Unfortunately, he had to step on too many people’s toes within his own party; and to his detriment, things backfired on him.

    As at now, and for different reasons, Kabimba is not a wanted man both within and outside of his party – a lesson to all. He was a political terrorist within PF and a political prostitute outside of it. Now, the facts on the ground within PF are that, Sata has lost an ideal right hand man and PF may end-up paying the price.

  20. the people driven constitution is denied to the nation by the president himself and his fellow bembas who are not principled why should we blame wk for the delay of the document the president himself is on record saying there is one in place if this continues what will the new sg and justice minister do about it

  21. I do think it is wrong of VJ to agitate Zambians, by goading us into considering civil unrest as he tacitly implies. Of course Zambians have cried for our constitution, the President will have heard by now!

    Kabimba was not the cause of the delay to the constitution. Although many castigate him, we will need to keep our eye on what action President Sata will take on Kabimba. His sacking came without explanation; and that is worrying. If @Jay Jay has correctly been informed that OP officers are ransacking Kabimba’s home; then that is concrete proof that the sacking of Kabimba will not end Cadre violence, nor is it proof that the path to a new constitution is now clear. I firmly believe that there are desperate people in PF not exercising clear thinking at this time…

  22. The nation has gone through various constitutional reviews before, including Chona Commission, Mfunga Commission, Mwanakatwe Commision and Mung’omba Commission. The achievements of these respective commissions are there for all to see. In all these cases, Hon Kabimba did not create any problems. The individual is by definition operating within the concrete situation where freedom is delimited by the community. Hon Kabimba worked very hard for the nation. He deserves respect. However, nations necessarily must go beyond personal contributions and personal sacrifices. It may well be that he is called upon to play a meaningful role in national development in a different capacity.

    • Appropriate though it is to sympathize with Kabimba’s political fate, it cannot be denied that he has been PF and Sata’s parrot on the constitution. It is in consequence, possible for his enemies in PF to now project him to the public as having been the main bad guy that had stood in the way of the constitution making process.

  23. When did VJ get a PhD to be called Dr? Its like pa ZED it is becoming too easy getting a Doctorate. I will also just head back home mwee instead of suffering left and right with text books……………..

    • VJ was bestowed with a doctorate of philosophy in Peace and Conflict Resolution (PCR) by CBU this year for his outstanding contribution to the development of Zambia and the African continent.The man has an impressive CV.

  24. Let’s not continue to be cursed with short memories: in April 2011, VJ as MMD Chief Whip and late George Kunda, then VP, refused to agree to UPND’s condition of 50%+1 to be included in the draft constitution for it to pass in Parliament. As a result UPND did not support the defective draft and it failed to be passed. Instead of sacking VJ, RB even made him his Campaign Manager for the disastrous 2011 presidential elections. VJ, and not Kabimba, is part of the serious problems we currently have both with PF and lack of a new constitution.

    • And this is the same moron coming up to lecture us on constitution !! These chaps forget what they do to quick. Ati ba Dokotor mwaanga !! These are just plain crooks. period

  25. All these people are just too talkative, the vj, the coalition, who do they present? Tensalafye aba ba mumbwe! do they even know where nachisitu is?

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