President Edgar Lungu has said that the unequal development across is responsible for creating the perception of tribalism. Responding to questions from Zambians living in Ethiopia at Zambia House during dinner on Thursday, Mr Lungu said what was causing the seemingly high levels of tribalism in Zambia was unequal development.
The dinner was hosted in honour of the President by the Zambian community living in Ethiopia at the residence of Zambia’s High Commissioner to Ethiopia Susan Sikaneta.
The President assured Zambians in the Diaspora that the country was stable and there were no divisions among Zambians at home.
“If there are attempts to divide us using tribe, we are saying no! There is no area where we lost because overall, Zambians chose us.
Tribalism is fiction because anyone who practices it does it at their own peril because it does not hold water,” Mr Lungu said.
“What brings out tribalism in some of our people is a feeling of deprivation of development and the Government will ensure equitable distribution of wealth in all provinces.”
Mr Lungu said Zambia was indivisible and his leadership would ensure that the country remained united.
Mr Lungu said some Zambians felt deprived of development and pledged that he would make sure his administration equitably distributed the country’s wealth.
And President Edgar Lungu has said he will appoint Cabinet ministers based on merit and not tribe.
“I will choose my Cabinet on merit. We can conquer tribalism based on meritorious appointments,” Mr Lungu said.
He remained committed to delivering a new Constitution as soon as possible but what was delaying the process was the limited resource envelope by the Government.
[pullquote]“What brings out tribalism in some of our people is a feeling of deprivation of development and the Government will ensure equitable distribution of wealth in all provinces.”[/pullquote]
President Lungu said he had not signed the social contract on the Constitution-making process because he was being realistic.
He said he had shown political will by releasing the Draft constitution and the roadmap, a sign that tremendous progress was being made to achieve the ultimate goal.
“The process can be done even in one day, but there is need for resources to conduct the referendum. The truth is that we need a new Constitution and I can even go for it tomorrow,” President Lungu said.
Mr Lungu also said the Government was ready to negotiate mineral royalty tax with mining companies.
His Government wanted a win-win situation and that it would ensure that it reached consensus with all stakeholders.
“If we fail to be flexible, we will fail to govern. If we are going to be rigid, we will fail to govern because governance is all about consensus and compromise,” President Lungu said.
Finally somebody in State house has nailed it. Finally somebody in state house now gets it. That is the root cause of the problem unequal development. If Zambia’s development was equally distributed, this tribal things will be a non issue.
I didn’t vote for Edgar Lungu, but if he continues on this path I might just change my mind in 2016 and VodKa Lungu ( sorry mean’t to say Vote Ka Lungu since he is thin)
its what you politicians are preaching of late….just certain regions never voted for somebody,,or you.people vote for their candidate of choice of which they will continue doing so.
thanks.
It is this kind of high-level realism that will separate from the era of divisive and failed idealism. Zambia need this thinking if we have to record healing in the land. Its time to equilibrate with shared interest, values, national wealth and benefits. Foster realistic inclusiveness at all levels of our national state establishment that skew to system of marginalization. We got problems it’s time to listen to the grievances of each other and get to the bottom of issues instead of demonizing each other. Failure to pursue issues with this kind of realism and maturity could be implosive in the long run. Lets deal with this scourge we cannot afford to remain in denial that its a serious problem presenting a clear and present danger to the national unity and stability.
But Southern province is the third developed from Lusaka and copperbelt but they still practise tribal. The main reason is hate amongst politians and civil servants in public offices. They tent to give jobs to their relatives. PERIOD. Western can be complaining and not Southern. Northern, eastern are under developed but we had presidents from these areas.
“IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD”
Your Excellency, this just a terrific start. Zambia need a realist with wisdom of your time to foster harmonization and peace in diversity. Never get insulated from your people and public opinion. These overt sources bring out a lot of invaluable tips on our country’s pressing issues and how they can be tackled with measured success. Again, remember that it takes a village to raise a raise a child” and not just those appointed Advisors and the inner circle. As a common man’s President, kindly continue listening to the voice of Zambians at large. take interest in creative interactive sessions such as town-hall meetings and read different overt sources whenever time allows you.
Lungu, wake up and address this language of tribalism that people seem to be taking so lightly in their conversations. We have all seen the devastating effects of the Rwanda genocide and how it all stemmed from talks of tribalism. Zambia can easily become another Rwanda where tribes will be slaughtering one another. It could just your family being victimized and killed.
Just because you voted for a candidate who is less popular in an opponents area does not make his supporters tribalists.
Viva HH
My comment is not for cadres coz thy would not agree.
If I were a Zambian President today, I would be practical by going for unity Government ‘only for 2015’ by directly inviting other Political Presidents to govern with me. Why?
– To Boost National Unity
– To Seal 2016 victory.
Enjoy wisely
Racism is worse, today Zambia would have been better off with Guy Scott.
I am from Luapula, I like Heritage Party, but I endorsed HH because Miyanda helped Edgar Lungu to mistreat Guy Scott.
I like Guy Sott, and I am racist.
Tribalism am not sure, but I know Lozis are, and they want Barotseland.
Let me ask you bloggers here one question. For each one of you, how many of your friends are from different tribes. I am talking about those fiends u relate with very well. If 90% of your friends are from one tribe, then u and your tribes men have a problem and u need to reform. You are the people encouraging tribalism.
Man Lungu !! Well said.
Congratulations SP, WE, NW and central, continue voting opposition so that government can bring development your regions like is happening in Muchinga and northen.
If Lungu and his stooges does not stop PF cadres from practising political hooliganism, then will also join the cause for BRE separation and independence even if I am not a Lozi.
I know Lozis just like the Tongas , they embrace any one willing to co-operate, but they hate thieves to death. I have seen how they deal with thieves in Lozi land.
If you steal a chicken, you will be made to quake like the chicken you stole. Just joking!
The above joke is meant to emphasise the seriousness with which Lozis take matters of fairness very serious.
To jog your memory a bit, HH is completely silent on the BRE, and yet the whole of western province votes for him enmass, why?
The reason is simple they connect with HH ‘s realistic message of unity and fairness.
Unity and fairness are…
Wansekesha iwe ati thin. Mwandi wakamba. And Michael has already started that which Lungu seems to be wanting to continue.
If tribalism was flammable, Zambia could have long caught fire!
Your Excellency you can say that again! Your diagnosis of the patient is spot on. This we have consistently highlighted on these thread. We need to listen to the grievances of each other and get to the bottom of issues instead of demonizing each other. Failure to pursue issue with this kind of realism and maturity could be implosive in the long run. You have public support in dealing with this scourge we cannot afford to remain in denial that as a country we have a serious problem presenting a clear and present danger to the national state.
whats happening to sata`s legacy??,,, Edgar lungu has brought in RB,,, enthroned chitimukulu…. now Edgar is thinking of taking one university from muchinga to northern western province to stop tribalism…. and all of a sudden other presidents are starting to come to zambia
at Wanzelu,
The separation of BRE is not practical. Don’t cheat yoself. WP consists of more provinces than Lozis and these are not interest in the seperation. They have said let the Lozis have there Mongu only. Time for Lozi to suppress other tribes like Nkoyas , Mbundus etc is long over. Nkoyas are free people with equal rights, so Lozis forget it.
Moreover, BRE includes parts of SP, North Western and Copperbelt, question is are these provinces ready to give up arts of the land. ans is NO
Listening to him when he Zambians, i felt humbled. He is the kind of leader that our nation needs at this hour. i have interacted with a number of our former Presidents at this level, the only one equal to him was President Mwanawasa. He boldly spoke about issues that matter, he promised the gathering that he wil be travelling to Barotseland to meet the BRE and other groups. This is now leadership – he needs our support and those around him should avoid unnecessary exaggerations and irresponsible praise sings but tell the man the truth so that Zambia can move forward
Mwanawasa family tree, its politician who want to divide the country. Just some years back the Lundas and the Luvales were fighting and the root cause was Anoshi Chipwaya and friends.
We can only develop our country if we change our work culture and be honest. This should start with our leaders as most of them built in Lusaka and Copperbelt leave out their provinces.
Now i have no doubt that EL is a better President.
Glory be to God for allowing him to rule Zambia.
I was for HH. However, EL’s thinking has started to impress me. I hope it is not mere talk. I also hope that he will not be influenced by selfish people along the way. Is it in Lawyers to say the “truth nothing but the truth”? Remember President Mwanawasa (MHSRIP)? Definitely a lot of healing needs to be done in the country after the deeds of the segregative Sata regime.
African countries will always remain underdeveloped for generations, Zambia included and this due to a number of reasons such as:
1. Poor management of natural and human resources. Natural resources have always and shall always be managed and manipulated by outsiders as long as the inferiority complex mentality continues. Africa always expects Western Countries to solve its own crisis. Example Ebola, Cholera, etc.
2. The continent has some of the best brains but they are considered as enemies of the state by politicians when they start contributing useful and challenging ideas. We have countless and voiceless PhD holders. Example..Clive Chirwa and many others
3. They sing about developing cities while villages are left behind. It is as if villages will develop through miracles.
Low thinking ability being shown here. That is not the cause.
I have said it before that this issue of tribalism was made worse by SATA.Out of 21 ministers in cabinet 15 were coming from the northern region.In foreign missions and parastals,it was 95%. Many of these pipo dont even have the experience and qualifications.SATA even encouraged negative tribal talk in the country.EDGAR will do better,even at his first press briefing an overzealous tribalist asked him a questiön in which he wanted him to attack the tongas but he refused to be drawn into that.There were no issues of tribalism under RB and Mwanawasa as it was under SATA.Let us all help EDGAR in this.I’m Nsenga like Edgar but I’m UPND for life.When something is wrong it is wrong.Whenever a quality leader comes up in western, northwestern or southern you want to fight that leader using…
You are liar man. Mwanawasa had a family tree which all Zambians saw. As for appointing Ministers, whenever Sata appointed a minister from opposition he was not supported, their parties refused? What you should know is that only MPs should be ministers.
The reason why u think tribalism existed during sata is bcoz certain tribes dont want bembas to rule this country and they avoided joining PF so how did you expect sata to appoint people who were not willing to work with him. Mwanawasa’s gvt was the most tribal gvt in Zambia. I can give u his cabinet and you will noticed 80% of them were bantu botatwes. That is why he kept on cheating by appointing bembas as his vice presidents, he wanted to brind fold bembas.It is just good that Bembas are now out of this issue. Let us see if some tribes will be happy now but I doubt bcoz even the previous elections speaks mountains about certain tribes. With them, they will not support anyone apart from their own.
I support you, except that RB was also tribal although not at the scale of Sata. Just as Mwanawasa redeemed MMD from the doldrums caused by FTJ, Lungu may be on a similar right track to improve the performance of PF in the 2016 elections. Otherwise, the recent results should worry PF who had expected a landslide victory of over 65%.
Chicken Fist – Not correct. If RB was tribal, he would have changed Mwanawasa’s cabinet that he inherited and put his tribesmates in. He did not do that – in fact RB went out with Mwanawasa’s cabinet.
This is a call to those ministers from Luapula , Mr Kalaba , Chama and others must hear this. You guys have done nothing for Luapula. Luapula needs equal share of GRZ cake. What we want to see is that each province should receive the same amount of money for Roads, Agriculture, Education, Etc. Not what we have noted where some provinces receive a great deal of money. You have neglected Luapula you MPs just wait very soon you will be chased.
Peace and Prosperity to Mother Zambia.
Please we want our Barotseland, we will do better than Zambia, Our country is better than Zambia. Actually Barotseland is half the country, in fact if Zambia gave NRC’s to the people in out country, Barotseland by itself is enough to win the election. Here is the math, win western, southern, north western and part of central, done, we are half the population of Zambia. It is very easily to be free from unequal development. I can see this happening, Barotesland has the power. Voter registration should be the campaign of 2016. The only problem is that Zambia needs so more than anything, electricity, food minerals, educated people come from this place. I know this is going to happen in our generation.
Rubbishly dull rants from a person who is backward.
Its funny how u people have become *****s all becoz of HH. For your infor no one (not even the UN) will support this barotseland issue.why? bcoz barotseland covers a number of countries such as Botswana and Angola. Giving independence to barotseland will mean disestablishing the region. Be reminded that Angola is following this issue very closely and they dont expect the zambian gvt to allow this becoz it will affect Angola. if u want more data, let me tell u that Sata appointed one of the barotseland active remember as Ambassador to Angola in 2012. The Angola gvt rejected him because they know him as one campaigning for barotseland to be re-established. If I were u I would forget about this issue for the sake of our Children.Zambia is one.
The President has reaffirmed that Zambia is indivisible. This sends clear message about his views on this matter.
The Zambian Law, Constitution says Zambia is a unitary state.
Zambia became unitary state in 1964 and in which both Baroste land and North East Rhodesia became independent into forming one country Zambia. So in this equation, Baroste cannot secede and became an independent country but to become recolonized which is impossible
To make Zambia divisible so as to make so called Baroste land secede, a national referendum not Baroste referendum will be required. These are the issues at play here, my friend.
@8 Democracy
You are perfectly idi.otic. It’s clear your statement is for effect, but unfortunately you have shown your ignorance.
You suggest that you vote strategically to get half the votes in what……….YES ZAMBIAN ELECTIONS! which means…….YES Zambian Parliament. Do you see where your ranting exposes you as a low grade thinker?
Perhaps you mean’t to say you would get an army together and BREAK AWAY from Zambia.
People like you just get on here to cause a raucas but end up tripping yourself, and that’s what happens to trouble makers, they fall into their own holes.
You are the first foolish person whose comments I have read today. Most have been progressive except yours. Repent.
We pray you walk the talk. Talk is cheap, but it starts there. Walk is golden!That business of not taking development to opposition areas has caused problems!mwaona manje!Stop it!
@nine temweni,PF has tried to take development projects to all Provinces and in some cases some so called FF strongholds have received very little of it.Could be a reason why most PF voters stayed away.Lungu needs to be careful with his uniting strategies as he may just erode his support base in his insistence on merit.Merit for technocrats yes but for Ministers be careful as you only have 20 months before you need the same colleagues to campaign for you.
Freudalism in western province does not allow anyone to carry out any development without permission from the Mulena wa Mulena, the Litunga.
Land holding is the Litungas jurisdiction. You are not allowed to quary copper stone for construction or get buildin sand without permissiion from the Indunaz who report to litunga.
You cant get title in western province to put up huge investment.
Freudalism existed in England in 12th centuaries were the lords controlled land.
This systtem has left western province undeveloped
let them not blame govt or anyone else
And the land ownership problem in western Province is the sole cause for the misery in the Province.
This should go in the public domain before people start blaming government.
What is freudalism? Did you mean feudalism?
Feudalism really? You guys you could make a lot of money writing fiction. You do come up with a lot of nonsense all the time when it comes to Western Province. Was it Feudalism that took 50 years to connect Mongu to Kalabo, Sesheke to Senanga? Is feudalism that is stopping the construction of a tarmac road to Kalabo? Is it feudalism that has stopped the construction of the promised University and stadium.? I don’t think so. It is tribalism in Lusaka by those who form governments. Which are these ‘huge projects’ that were stopped by feudalism. We have too many 1diots in Zambia who are always quick to come out with situpidi rationalization why some regions are denied development. Can someone tell me why a normal person wpould build two public universities in one province?
Which “Huge Investment” was denied land title in Western Province? Name one. We are sick of made up trash motivated by tribalism. The Zambian government does not need land title from the Litunga to build roads, hospitals, deep tanks and schools. Besides ALL land in Zambia is vested in the President. You don’t have to make up stuff to justify Zambia’s loop sided development which seems to favour certain regions because of the Presidents’ favouritism.
@10.3 Rationalist, You are 100% correct. If some smart alec imagines that Feudalism is standing in the way of development in WP, so what is the reason for not taking development to NWP?
Whilst its true that what causes tribalism is inequitable distribution of wealth, there is one exception which is very clear.
This rule does tot apply to Tongas. It does not matter how much development you take to Tongaland. they will vote for their own.
To them a person is synonymous to aTonga.
A leader is synonymous to a Tonga.
And this is true.
I am not saying we should not distribute wealth equitably. But that whilst we do so, we should bear in mind that some people will just not change on the basis of wealth, and Tongas are top of that example.
Tutu my friend,
I don’t know whether you are talking total rubbish or your allegations can be backed up by facts. What I do know however, is that an eye for an eye is not the way forward. Trash talking against the Tonga or demonizing them will lead us the opposite way of progress.
I remember when I was in grade 12 and the discussions and debates we had with our UNZA trained history teacher all came to the conclusion that ignorance was the mother of all tribalism. In the years since, I have known many Zambians who cannot use the ignorance excuse but they still are very much tribal.
I think each man should do his part to obliterate this tribal nonsense, without demonizing or blaming anyone else.
The govt does not understand development priorities of Tongas. Tongas revolve their livelihoods on cattle and crop production and they think a fellow Tonga can understand them by making appropriate agricultural policies that can boost their income and welfare. The current crop marketing and fertilizer programs are gross insults to a Tonga.
@ 11 Tutu
Spot on Tutu. That’s why comparing Tonga tribalism to Bemba tribalism is like comparing apples to oranges – essentially different. Many people who can tolerate Bemba tribalism cannot stand Tonga tribalism. Why? Simply because Tonga tribalism is too exclusive while Bemba tribalism is more inclusive. Many who pose as Bembas have not a single drop of Bemba blood flowing through their veins. That is a NO, NO among Tongas
I do not quite agree that the tribalism that was exhibited in SP, WP and Nwp is due to unequal distribution. Perhaps NWS but Southern and Western the issue is just for one of their own to rule.
They must look at ways of improving campaign strategies and improve on inclusiveness because no one is just going to give them a chance by way of rotating tribes , that would defeat the whole essence of democracy.
Secession is not an option since it affects other tribes in the regions which are not interested in the separation. So can they stop singing the session song when they fail due to their incompetences
Unless you just want to stop thinking my friend.I’m not a liar.The issue of family tree under Mwanawasa was raised by SATA and supported by POST before they became friends with him.But as an intellectual,you dont believe everything that you read in newspapers. If you want to know that SATA was more tribal than Mwanawasa,go to government printers if you are lusaka based and buy cabinets charts for 2002 to 2008 and also 2011 to 2013. Check for yourself instead of being told.Its only K22.00.You will see that SATA was worse.
I agree. Sata was more tribal than any other President Zambia has had.
We all know, how tribal Sata was
Actually Sata was Satanic.
Sata experienced a lot of hate from you Tongas etc. The hate which you were spewing towards him on yo ZWD and other sites was unprecedented. How could he work with people whom he couldn’t trust. Even those he tried to extend an olive branch to refused, what could he do? Meanwhile he had to work and he did.
He single handedly started a party, grew it and managed to get into Govt. You could not stomach the fact that he had out smarted yo under 5 and succeeded, you were jealousy.
The only thing Mwanawasa did which made you happy was him getting rid of Bemba and to prosecute FTJ, otherwise he was also tribal….a lot of Bantu bo tatwe
Fact is you are the tribalists and this was shown clearly in the 20th Jan. polls.
@Nyau, I worked in Tongaland for 7 solid years. I have got lots of examples of what I am talking about regarding Tongas.
Don’t mistake me for a tribalist but I had a fair share of hard times there based on the fact that I did not originate from there.
The level of tribalism in Tongas cannot be ignored and it deserves mention and condemnation at the highest level.
In problem solving theory, accepting that there is a problem is step No. 1
And when Mazoka was MD for Zambia railways all his seniors managers where Tongas. We also know of some police chief who only employed his tribes men in the police and the police was dominated by one tribe until 1992 when MMD changed things.
There is no place in Zambia called tongaland – please stop lying and demonising others for nothing!!! You cannot paint everyone with the same brush. If the truth be spoken you are the one who is tribal: your comments are always tribal based and focused. Mwalilwala yama and the sooner you accept the better for us all.. Your level of analysis is very poor. I pray you can do some honest self-introspection. What benefit does it bring you to label every Tonga tribal? – naturally that is impossible. Some are some are not. Equally, it is naturally impossible that every Bemba is tribal – or every Englishman is racist – some are some are not.
kolwe.com ninebo kolwe kolwe ndi mukulu wa nchito.
I agree with you totally, Tongas tribalism is at another level but they want to hoodwink people and make them believe otherwise
.
The thing is Zambians are not stupid. Everyone knows and can see clearly that Tongas are tribal. and the sooner this fact is faced squarely by all the quicker progress will made in addressing the problem.
Leaders shud not therefore hide this fact and beat about the bush but just heat the nail on the head.
You’re right Mr. President, unequal distribution of wealth is causing us all these problems. We pray you’ll continue doing things differently from your predecessor as you’ve already demonstrated.
All our leaders know this unequal distribution! its done deliberately because they themselves are tribalists!
APPOINTING PERMANENT SECRETARIES,AMBASSADORS/DIPLOMATS,AND DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS ON MERITS IS THE WAY TO GO MR PRESIDENT. OUR CIVIL SERVICE HAS BECOME TOO POLITICAL BECAUSE OF APPOINTING CADRES ,WITH NO QUALIFICATIONS AT ALL, TO HIGHER POSITIONS IN OUR CIVIL SERVICES.FOR INSTANCE HOW CAN A POSITION OF DC WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO THAT OF DEPUTY PERMANENT SECRETARY BE GIVEN TO A MERE CADRE WITH A GRADE SEVEN OR GRADE NINE CERTIFICATE,,,THIS IS AN ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT FRUSTRATES THOSE WHO WENT TO SCHOOL AND OBTAINED HIGHER QUALIFICATIONS.THIS IS ALSO PARTLY THE REASON OUR CIVIL SERVICE CANNOT DELIVER,IT IS FULL OF CADRES IN ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS. IMAGINE A GRADE SEVEN CHAIRING A MEETING OF GRADUATE INTELLECTUALS,,ITS AGONY.
And who merit comes from one tribe??
And who says merit comes from one tribe? This is shooting oneself in the foot. Saying a good thing and subtracting it! Condemning tribalism and practicing it! I am sure Lungu has realized, he has to do things differently!!
Bwana Lungu,its not merely a perception.It’s been the cold reality on the ground.
Bembanisation of Zambia and the centralization of projects in muchinga has to stop.
I beg to differ:
Mongu kalabo road, Sesheke Senaga Road, King Lewanika University,
livingstone (airport, market etc), Choma offices and housing projects, Chalimbana University, Shangombo hospital, Nyimba hospital, Chiawa bridge etc are not in Muchinga province. Wake up before you find the train gone.
Are yu just bitter because Bemba is widely spoken, look at the historical background and learn why this is so. So now you want to make Tonga widely spoken overnight. You are dull.
You can also see that they are more provinces that have similar tribes or better dialects ie Luapula Northern, Muchinga, Central Copperbelt, so is it not obvious.
Coz someone was bitter that at his work place, they speak Bemba
Some parts of the country are lagging behind whilst some have two universities being built at the same time. Can someone tell the province without proper roads or universities why it is so?
Uneducated cadres being employed in the Civil Service and most of them from the same region, nepotism, the list is of tribal “woes” is endless. So ba “kateka” it is not a perception but a fact something which you yourself is very much aware of.
Muchinga Provinve has been under developed for a long time. They also need a share of the cake that’s why.. Why are you not talking about Chongwe, it also has 2 universities, you are just incensed with Muchinga, get a life let Muchinga also enjoy just a little development.
You are evil with yo hatred. God will judge you.
Don’t be bitter Chongwe also has 2 universities.
Infact that one was not a university but a long time police academy which KK abandoned along time ago then they decided to complete it now actually by MMD and converted it to a university.
The other one you are crying about was in honour of DKK and it has not even started so please don’t die of BP for nothing.
Even then those people would be appreciative unlike yourselves tamutasha
At least the current president is educated and he will do things corectly like his former educated presidents Mwanawasa and RB. Never again should Zambia put a mere semi-illiterate kaponya in State House. It was a disaster.
Mr. Lungu please be sensible and avoid this talk of tribalism. You are only making it worse as a president. If someone does not vote for you that does not mean it is tribalism. It is only that they have seen that you have nothing to offer. People have their right to vote for a candidate of their choice and by you saying that you are actually taking away their right and being the president you must face the law in normal circumstances. You are lucky we are in a country where no one cares about anything at all. Please get back to your senses and encourage voters to vote for a candidate of their choice. Be wise and stay less stupid.
The President is answering questions as asked by Zambians living in Ethiopia. He is not just trying to dream up the issue of tribalism. Lets debate objectively, bane. Emotions aside!
Don’t accuse Sata of being tribal. He tried by all means to appoint ministers from the opposition but he was denied. Mwanawasa was the most tribal with his family tree. You think we have forgotten? Mwanawasa had relatives from Bantu botatwe in government and very few bembas.
I don’t think tribalism is attributed to development although just a little bit. In NW province for instance, from KK, to FTJ, to Levy, RB nothing happened there, how can you blame Sata for underdevelopment? Southern P receives more money in terms of development but still pipo from there still want someone of their own. Western, Luapula, NW and Muchinga are all underdeveloped. The whole idea is about tribal supremacy. Sata took development to all parts. The University in Muchinga is not for bembas only.
Going by the current narrow 1% victory of PF, it is clear that Sata would have lost in 2016. It is during PF’s tenure that we see such gross talk about tribalism simply because Sata made a lot of tribal appointments and was even proud to pubickly mention that development priority was for places where he had received victorious votes. Otherwise had PF fielded a Bemba, they would have lost this election lamentably coz Eastern also gave a tribal vote.
You must be real to the Ground sir and get your facts correct! Sata was the worst tribalist. What was the highest position from NW province appointed…Deputy minister. The universities in Muchinga and Northern cannot be for the whole Zambia when his campaign promises were to have universities in all provinces. AND the worst insult is to get resources from NW and take to build roads and universities in Northern /Muchinga !! Actually, Lungu is blaming his predecessor in a way. He knows Sata was tribal..Shame. This is the reason PF got less votes from there. During Mwanawasa, the province started EXPERIENCING road upgrades, mineral exploration and his Government was balanced including your Bembas. Every president can only make use of the family tree in key security positions.
CAN THE PRESIDENT BEGIN BY FIRING MICHEAL SATA ? HE ONLY BECAME MAYOR BECAUSE OF NEPOTISM! THEN CHIKWANDA HAS TO GO TOO!RECALL ALL OF THE LATE SATA’S . THEN RECALL ALL OF LATE SATA’S RELATIVES APPOINTED AS AMBASSADORS , REMOVE ALL THE BEMBA ZRA STATION MANAGERS IN ALL PARTS OF ZAMBIA AND NOT FORGETTING THE PARASTATALS ! WHAT WE WANT IS EQUAL REPRESENTATION! BEMBA’S ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES WITH DEGREES! TALK IS CHEAP !
@ Kencool, can you compare tribalism practiced by Mwanawasa to Sata? The fact is Sata would have won in 2016 with a landslide. Now tell me if Sata took development to Northern only: Chingola-Kitwe dual carriageway, Link8000 all across Zambia, L400 in Lusaka, Kazungula bridge in Southern, Choma infrustructure as Southern HQ, Chiawa bridge, Feira road, Palabana and Chalimbana Universities in Chongwe, Electricity supply to Mwinilunga and Solwezi, Mongu Tarmacs in compounds, Revamping of NCZ in Kafue, building of First class bus station in Southern P and many more. Are all these projects in Muchinga? Sata was the best president: he mixed the cabinet, Simuusa, Bob, Shamenda, Masebo, Jean kapata, Masumba, Chienda, Lungu, Phiri, Lubinda, Kabimba, Guy Scott, Inonge, Nalubambe, Siamunene etc
Which electricity supply was taken to Mwinilunga, Solwezi by YOUR late president? Let me tell u, Rp sobbed when he lost because by constitutional powers, you can even surrender power to a “Satan” THE reason Rp called him so. I told u , what position was given to North Western? which 8000 link Zambia road has been done in NW? Do u really live in Zambia my brother? U know the demise of that man was God’s will to serve people from nepotism, discrimination, segregation, under development and all sorts of name calling the NW people received.
President Edgar Lungu must not cheat himself about tribslism.this is in tonga’s blood.Edgar Lungu can change Southern into American today but when voting in 2016 about 95% will vote for HH,mark my words!!!PF under Sata is developing southern,doing very expensive roads in western,etc,but what happened on 20/01/2015?they voted for their tribal man HH!!!so nothing can change these bantu botatwe bcoz tribalism is in their blood!!!!SO IN 2016 WE MUST JUST VOTE THE NEGA NEGA WAY-PERIOD!!!
If Edgar institutes very good agriculture policies that would transform the livelihoods of Tongas, he will greatly improve his votes in Southern just as Mwanawasa did. Even the way he is trying to give an ear and pay attention to barotseland issue, it will earn him votes. If he works on the Solwezi-Chingola road and Solwezi township roads and also start a university in NWP, he will surely get many votes which may narrow his gap with HH.
People only render their support to anyone who they think can improve their lives.
One issue you are forgetting instead of blaming tongas is the quality of other candidates (i.e Sata and EL) in comparison with HH who is far above them in all aspects. So why blame Tongas for voting quality. It is this mentality that is dividing Zambia, you are blaming tongas for voting quality while it is is clear that only tribalist who would vote for someone without vision and questionable background.
Sata was a sick old man. He suffered from tribalism, nepotism and bufontini. He infected all his PF tribes men. Only a handfull of then were spared. Hope Edgar is really committed to helping his sick mbuyas from the north, luapula and muchinga.
You cant start saying your HH is better than MCS and Edgar !!!. What do you see in Hichilema??? Just list out a few things he has done on this planet, apart from plunder.
Your support is simply Tribal . Nothing else. As to development of Muchinga, so wat would please you is an underdeveloped Muchinga??? Shame on you. Get the gvt to raise more funding and accelerate development of whole country. Very few reorces splashed across the whole country may have no impact.
Listen to the tribalist speaking. with this kind of characters Zambia cannot be united. ati tribalism in in every Tonga’s blood.nothing can change this character.
@ 20.4 Precious chipasha
Spot on. There is too much tribally inspired hate talk on LT. Most of the criticism here is engendered by tribalism. Even as we are denying tribalism, we are exhibiting it right here on LT. Even the very denial of it is tribally inspired. In order to repent, one must first acknowledge the sin. We are non-repentant and non-shameful tribal devotees and addicts.
It is only tribalism when it is someone else practicing it. We are more keen to look for a speck of tribalism in a brother’s eye and ignore the whole log of it that is protruding from our own. Tribalism must be in the blood and genetic make-up of Zambians. Tribal hate is what pervades, intoxicates and poisons the social atmosphere. It is a disgrace.
Tribalism became more pronounced by sata in Thot, word and deed. That’s why he cud allow 2 universities built in chinsali and yet chipata, solwezi, kasama, mongu etc have none. Just look at sata s appointments, just full of his tribemen. Sata was the worst. I will NEVER miss him. He was a distortion.
What are the 2 unive3rsities in Chongwe ? You can only see in Muchinga? You are blind to all the development in other regions. You are ssick. you need help.
I have a solution for this tribalism thing. Fragment Zambia into 9 self ruling countries. Everyone in Zambia is a tribalist.
This is simplicity at its best. Segregation, lack of-equal opportunities for all tribes, nepotism etc are the many things that encampass tribalism in Zambia. Actually what is happening in Zambia to some tribes is worse than racism in America or Europe.
I think the president will miss it if he does not balance tribes in his government. At the moment that is what is wanted or else it will be taken as hiding tribalism by appointing people on merit. He does not have the luxuary of appointING on merit because poeple will still vote on tribe. If I was him I would learn from KK. On the constitution, I think he should amend the present constitution especially the electrol clauses if time is not on his side before 2016 elections. I think the opposition will also agree with him on that.
The barotseland activities will not be able to provide the map as the old map includes the caprivi and Angola . They know what can happen to them in those countries which do not brook any nonsense.
Bon lungu @ Barotseland today only consists of western province!
Kolwe.com ninebo kolwekolwe ndi mukulu wanchito
But north western is neglected so to speak..when you travel on the road from chingola to solwezi you may think that you are going through some village in Drc alas it’s still in Zambia.The question is why is that province under developed? I do not recall any day when any past president who ruled Zambia having gone by road transport to Solwezi. They are either flown by a chopper or a Zaf plane and fly out of that province hence they dont see how pathetic or deplorable state of the road is.
Yet major mines like Kansanshi,Lumwana,Kalumbila are all in North Western province. And no single university is built in this province.
Thank you Mr President, at this rate you might just get my vote in 2016. Zambians should just never ever experiment with another Bemba president again becoz each time we do, we end up with a divided country (eg chiluba and Sata) . Our biggest threat as a United country is not tribalism but BEMBALISM. Word of caution Mr president, keep them out of your inner cycle bcoz they will undermine you. Learn from Kaunda and RB who kept them at arms length. Look at levy who brought Nevers Mumba close, he started undermining the presidency until levy fired him. That’s how they are. They believe they are superior to you and me.
Get lost iwe. Much as you would like wat you say, never you forget that its Bemba nationalism that brought independence. You simply cant do without them : tho they may do without you.
Zambians just blame yourself for voting an uneducated, tribal, and nepotistic Michael Sata in 2011. In return he gong’ad you by appointing only his relatives, basebeles, and friends who didn’t even make an effort campaign for him. It was your choice, so stop complaining and move on with life.
What about Mwanawasa and the family tree? Sata was the best leader. I am Bemba but he took development everywhere. Are all these projects in Muchinga? Kitwe- Chingola dual road, Tarmacs in compounds of Mongu, Livingstone modern bus terminus, Chiawa bridge, Palabana University, NCZ in Kafue, Mongu- Kalabo road, Infrustructure in Choma as HQ, L400, Link8000, Pave2000, 650 Health posts, Hospitals in Shangombo, Gwembe etc? Be serious Kencool. Are all these in Muchinga? If anything Edgar Lungu wants to finish all these. A mere University in Muchinga has brought protests just because it is in Bemba land. What can you say about 2000 houses to be built in Southern P? Are they in Muchinga? But Sata planned for those. Rome was not built in a single day. The roads are not only in Muchinga.
@ 29.1 BBC
Was Sata truly “the best leader”? You must be joking.
Tribalism was suppressed by kk through his one zambia one nation. He balanced government appointments on tribes.But with the coming of chiluba the family tree syndrome was planted. Mwanawasa grew it. RB brought back the discarded umodzi kumawa. RB unfortunately used this to win eastern province for Lungu and Lungu accepted it because it benefited him. HH on the other hand thinks that if he had been another tribe he would have been president by now. In short I am saying politicians are responsible for all this rubbish tribal talk that benefits no one tribe because each time there is change a new tribal tree emerges.
Correct! How can Muchinga will a population of 500,000+ get two universities within three years when Northern, NWP, SP have none and no plans on table. And you expect people to vote for you? Shame!
Am now on your side Mr President. I like the way you have started your race.
Congrats!
It is true that unequal development has lead opportunists like HH to divide the country by fuelling disgruntled citizens into illogical thinking.
That is the primary problem, people like HH and the Separatists who want a corner for themselves, in order they get Power and control of a gov’t if they can’t win Zambian elections.
The fact that Sata may have been unfair in targeting development in one area more than others is cause enough for unhappiness for under-developed areas.
However the causes of Regionalisation and Tribalism are far more complicated. Truth is even after targeting the underdeveloped areas the people fuelling this new ill will try harder. We have to win sensible hearts in those areas and our best tool is His Excellency and his consensual style of…
Patriot Abroad@ HH is not trying to divide the country ! what’s happening at the moment is that Barotseland ( western province only ) wants to leave the union and the Tonga’s are not happy with the tribalism they are experiencing in Zambia ! So if I were president I walk speak to the Tonga’s get them on-board problem solved !That way all that you are losing is western province …..
@Bodman
The style of HH’s politics is divisive. He most definitely went out to get votes in three regions based on Tribal affiliations.
Clearly people in those regions have concluded they want a President by Tribe! We should be unhappy with HH for this type of development in our politics.
He needs to speak togetherness even in opposition. He remains silent instead of joining in in encouraging One Zambia One Nation.
@Patriot Abroad Meant to say Mulenga Sata
Credit where it is due must be given Excellent Lungu you sound more of a zambian than a N/eastern Rhodesian if you continue like that you might cool our tempers as we have lost confidence in this so called Zambia,keep on your excellency.
@ Bantu botatwe/Barotse independence
go to hell with your hate for bembas you sub human. You monkey small brain cannot think beyond your ka tribe. Are you normal? Did Sata developed Muchinga only you inferior human being? What about Chiawa bridge, Kitwe-Chingola dual carriageway, Palabana University, Lewanika General Hospital, Shangombo Hosptital, Kalabo-Mongu road, L400, 650 health posts, Pave2000, Kaoma-Kasempa road, Mumbwa-Kasempa road, Chirundu road, Feira road, Mwinilunga electrification etc. Are all these in Muchinga your pathetic tri.balist? All these were started by Sata. Go and have your inferior brain checked maybe the doctor can do something. What did Mwanawasa do in Northern, Luapula, Eastern and part of central for his 8 year rule apart from tribalism of Bantu botatwe?
Meanwhile UPND want to expell Kafwaya for being appointed Minister of NW. What do people want? PF hasnt got MPS in NW so do these people want PF to import a person from Muchinga to run NWP so that they will have something to attack government on? Shame on you perpetrators of regionalism.
@CHIPASHA
Am forced to respond to another misinformed PF cadre by the name of Precious Chipasha in a good debate she comes and throw in her ignorance which bemba nationalism brought independence? KK was a secretary in the ANC led by Nkumbula,after learning politics he joined UNIP formed by Mainza Chona not only did they take advantage of their education by leading the fight for independence Tongas also sponsored it,even the time KK was UNIP president he was being sponsored by the people you hate so much,Kapwepwe was also sponsored to go and study abroad by the same people you hate,they also sponsored Chiluba during the introduction of Multi democracy,don’t just blog do some research the tribalism has now penetrated your bones trying even to get credit for things you didn’t do.SHAME!
he has a heart for the country
what a stiff woman, she cannot even reach out interact the children, with her hands folded as though these children are beneath her
Balumendo, muleupa bwino, go for women who will not only elevate you but has good social graces
Me thinks I’m liking this Edgar. He seems to have a cool head and a positive approach much needed to handle treacherous issues like the one at hand. I can’t help but echo his words: “Zambia is indivisible”.
However, I tend to see things differently on mineral royalties. I think our government must be rigid if they are to push through a win-win situation. They wont have it easy with the mining companies on this one.
@BBC
How can we be a sub human and inferior to poor and illiterate thieves?you boast of superiority which is based on illiteracy of who makes the loudest noise(Fintu ni Lungu).Us we boast of superiority based on life and educational success whether you like or not bemba is the poorest and least educated tribe in Zambia there is nothing you can do about it you will die in perpetual poverty,surviving by migrating from your poor villages to come and flood our streets.if your brain was not inhibited by your illiteracy and poverty you could have seen that building two Universities in one Village when Southern province which produces the highest number of students at both CBU and UNZA has none is total stupidity,unless the mind is infested with FINKUBALA.
@Patriot Abroad
Why are citizens disgruntled? And please elaborate with regards to term you used illogical thinking? Talking about getting votes based on Tribal affiliations what about PF? I personally think that One Zambia One Nation motto is just a cheap slogan! It’s not reflected in reality look at the appointments in Government positions, Parastatals, diplomatic core, even places like ZRA all the station managers are Bemba irrespective of area! Need I say more? Michael Sata’s position how was that attained?
@Precious Chipasha
Ati! Bembas can do without Barotse and N/western Rhodesia how?economy anchored on what? Finkubala?No they can’t, if they can,let’s put One Zambia One Nation slogan aside and separate,no one should seek refuge in the this slogan we want to see who is who.
UNIP RULED ZAMBIA FOR 27 YEARS. MMD RULED ZAMBIA FOR 20 YEARS. BUT PF HAS BEEN IN POWER FOR 3 YEARS ONLY. IS IT SURELY FAIR TO BLAME PF FOR THE WOES THAT ZAMBIA IS FACING NOW? WHEN PF BUILDS THE MONGU-KALABO ROAD IN WP ITS NOT TRIBALISM. WHEN PF CONSTRUCTS NEW STRUCTURES IN CHOMA AS NEW PROVINCIAL CAPITAL FOR SP ITS NOT TRIBALISM. WHEN PF CONSTRUCTS THE BOTTOM ROAD IN GWEMBE VALLEY IT IS NOT TRIBALISM. BUT LET PF CONSTRUCT TWO SMALL UNIVERSITIES IN MUCHINGA.OOOOH MY GO. THERE IS UPROAR “TRIBALISM, TRIBALISM, TRIBALISM” . IS PF RESPONSIBLE FOR LACK OF DEVELOPMENT IN NWP ? IS PF RESPONSIBLE FOR LACK OF NATIONAL GRID CONNECTIVITY IN NWP? HAVE YOU PEOPLE EVEN BEEN TO MUCHINGA? MUCHINGA IS A BUSH. THE CIVIL SERVANTS SENT THERE HAVE NO ACCOMMODATION. LETS BE FAIR BANE.
True my brother teach these trib.list like Bantu botatwe/Barotse independence some lessons. They think development is in Muchinga only. The silly Bantu Botatwe/Barotse independence thinks bembas are not educated. They still live in the 1960s. I would urge to go and get the acceptance list both from UNZA and CBU and he will receive the rude shock of his life. Eg in my family of 8, 5 are University graduates and 3 have obtained 3 are PhD holders.
@BBC Unfortunately, all your relatives and including you are thives by birth. Shame on you monkey eating lunny.
@Precious Chipasha
What grade is this lady if indeed she is a lady?sub standard comments,how can you say Sata/Eddie have better credentials than HH? and she asks what has HH done,I would simply refer her to what YOUR own fellow bemba Alexnder Chikwanda said on Tuesday edition 29/01/15 of Zambia Daily mail”HH is a brilliant young man excluded from contributing to country’s development by our divisive governance system” do not use tribal eyes lady and do not allow tribalism crowd your minds to the extent that you can only see good in a bemba you risk being useless.
Am sure if HH had won you would have been in the forefront of ethnic cleansing against bembas
Most of the criticism here is engendered by tribalism. Even as we are denying tribalism, we are exhibiting it right here on LT. Even the very denial of it is tribally inspired. In order to repent, one must first acknowledge the sin. We are non-repentant and non-shameful tribal devotees and addicts.
It is only tribalism when it is someone else practicing it. We are more keen to look for a speck of tribalism in a brother’s eye and ignore the whole log of it that is protruding from our own. Tribalism must be in the blood and genetic make-up of Zambians. Tribal hate is what pervades, intoxicates and poisons the social atmosphere. It is a disgrace.
A key tenet of Bamba tribalism during the last three decades has been to spread and disseminate Bemba language and culture throughout Zambia. This has since gone viral, much to the displeasure of other dominant tribes within the country. People have been intimidated and insulted for speaking their own mother tongue within the boundaries of their own motherland. Certain languages are forbidden and must not be spoken in public, except in privacy. That has been part of the mission of Bemba tribalism.
iyo ni inferiority complex bane, speak you openly language man.
Well said Edgar, confirmation that Sata was useless and clueless as President. But you knew this and could not open your mouth. You need to do something not just words!
Spot on Mr president..He is being a realist.
IT ‘S NOT ENOUGH TO SAY UNEQUAL DISTRIBUTION OF DEVELOPMENT HAS BROUGHT PERCEIVED TRIBALISM. IN THE FIRST PLACE, THE FACT IS THAT THE NORTHERNERS ARE HOLDING ALMOST ALL THE TOP POSITIONS IN THIS COUNTRY, FROM GOVERNMENT TO NGOs, EVEN FOREIGN MISSIONS. ARE THEY THE ONLY BRAINS IN THIS COUNTRY? NO IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. IF ANYTHING, THEY ARE AMONG THE DULLEST ONES, BUT VERY CROOKED. TRIBALISM IS VERY REAL IN ZAMBIA. PERIOD