By Chilo Phiri
Since the inception of independence, Zambian political leaders have taunted the youth as ‘the future leaders of the country’. While this may be true, no successive government has promoted this belief. The youth in Zambia keep being sidelined in the political arena. This is evidenced by the appointment of veteran politicians in ministerial jobs, political administrative offices, ambassadorial postings, and generally, senior party positions.
The youth are relegated to slogan chanting and individual promoters of those with a bit of political clout. I beg to ask, are the youth themselves to blame, or are our elderly politicians plain selfish and somewhat scared of the intelligence and vibrancy of the youth? Any nation’s future lies in the youth. And if a country wants to be great, the role of the youth in the political dispensation must be elevated. I believe structures can be implemented which support the political development and participation of the youth.
Different interest groups in Zambia have advocated for increased participation of women in politics and political decision-making, but has anybody voiced out the same for the youth. During the First Republic, the slogan was the youth are the future leaders of Zambia. This is Forty Four (44) years later, and the future still eludes the youth. The appointment of Vernon J. Mwaanga or even Daniel Munkombwe for instance, is a step into the political past of the country. I cannot overlook their contribution to politics in Zambia, but their time is not now.
The world has moved far beyond their insight and in the current climate, new ideas from young and fresh political leaders are what will drive the country forward. An even bigger retrogressive appointment is when an individual is picked from the blues to become the country’s’ second in command. Quite frankly, what political role did Mr. Rupiah Banda play from the time he lost the Munali Parliamentary election to the time of his Veep appointment? Did he remain connected with the development of politics in the country, was he abreast with economic changes taking place worldwide, and is he the right man to lead Zambia in this global financial and economic crisis? Does he inspire confidence in our people? Can this man provide the leadership when the country and world are a stone throw away from a depression?
The challenges that we face as a country have a lot to do with who we elect into political offices. Do we have the right mix of people leading us? This idea of selfish politics will always confine this God-gifted country into the depths of political garbage. Forty Four (44) years after independence Zambia cannot even host a minor African sporting event like the All-Africa games. Isn’t this a shame to other countries that a country that has never seen a civil war can be so much out of sorts? It is so depressing to think that we as a country can never seem to make reasonable progress in the way we tackle minor issues affecting our country.
This reminds me of the article I read about Baby M, honestly, a hospital like UTH cannot afford a power generator? Where do the resources go? Does anyone ever think of investing heavily in this important sector? I guess not, because if and when they get sick, they are flown to foreign countries where facilities are world class. But the ordinary citizen, you and I, are left to linger and die in Zambia.
The youth of this great country need to stand up and be counted. If this country is to be great, the youth need to realize that they are the only hope that country has. If the burden of poverty and hopelessness has to be lifted off our children’s futures, now is the time for the youth to do for their country, what the country has not done for them.
The mantle is in your hands. We need to change the way politics are played in our country. The politics of patronage and poverty are a thing of the 20th Century. We need action-oriented people with the interest of this country at heart. Tired political leadership is not the answer to our problems
We are the future leaders
THE OLD MADALAS SHOULD GO THE FARMS
About time someone brought this up
believe me… its our time now to let them know that we are better than the old folks. :)>-
GO BACK TO THE LAND YOU MADALAS. WHEN ARE WE GOING TO BE IN THOSE OFFICES. THESE CHAPS!!!!!!! AWE SURE
Damn right, the youths need to play a more decisive role in our country’s future. That hogwash of youths not being decisive or wise enoough or them being spontaneous is now outdated. JFK & OBAMA are a few examples i can cite of youths who have brought about real change and hope. So why not in Zambia?
:d/
Ba youth maningi ifyamba… %%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-%%-**==
most of the youths who are in the political arena are just comedians eg Cosmo Mumba & Humphrey Siulapwa. its why these old guns take advantage and think we are all like these guys i’ve mentioned. we need serious sober minded guys to champion this cause so that we phase out the nyama soya generation
#9 you are right, losers and job seekers like Siulapwa are a huge disgrace to the youth movement. All they do is do politics for money to basically sell their endorsement to these recycled guys who are just business handing out pensions to each other. Gentlemen we can clean up the system. As youth we are in the majority. We could easily vote out this useless generation of recycled leaders and put Zambia on a sound footing. Lets mobilise as youths. Lets register in large numbers and demand these parties field young and clean candidates or we just form our own party. We can overthrow this useless crop of leaders we have through the ballot. We are the majority. Lets do it in 2011
The problem is the youth themselves. They don’t want to stand for political office. Taima stood, won and LPM(MHSRP) appointed him deputy M in the office of the President. Bradford Machila is also an example though Shakas was a nephew they were all appointed based on their youth state and potential to lead.
We shall form a party and i wil be the president.Everyone on this blog should vote for me.Because the old,tired,useless and finished medula oblangaters cant think anymore.They are stuck,nothing good is happening. All we are hearing are problems after problems,eg,its not possible to reduce fuel prices,mealie meal prices very high,workers in the mines loosing their jobs,RB complaing.These characters dont inspire the citizens of Zambia.
Cutey where are you please?
The future has not yet come so be patient you young ones.
you guys we cant fail to let these old madalas to pack. nyama soya, vj, daniel mukondanyo,satamania, many more.
bane ma youth na vinamayo muleke kushana kuma rally because vj nachi daniel mukondanyoo fyalitemwa gig gig,nakutambila baaiche.
This article is spot on, we need fresh minds in govt, not these recycled dudes from the days of Kaunda. Politician in zed dont get that after some time you just have to let someone else take over, they want to hang on to power till death. More young people should get in there and demand for change.
This is very true but the problem i have with Zambians is oo much talk and no action!!. Take action find whatever way there is to get into the se politics or better still you can start campaigning right now with people who feel the same, i don;t think people even have principles anymore they join any party that gives them a position. Its never too late, ground work can be started. Its called ..CHANGE and if you believe in change its start to start now.
Look at Obama in America, he has managed to beat Washington machinery and will be the first black president at age 47. So the youth need to be organized and strat getting involved seriously
😡
We are too blame,lets us eliminate these useless weak minded madalas.Already the constitution since fourty-four years is being handled by VJ Mwaanga in parliament.A new generation coup of new blood shud take place.
I am glad that our generation is now waking up! let 2011 be the year to bid farewell to the midala’s. we have ourselves to blame as the majority of us prefered king cobra to HH? I shall be challenging one chimudala come 2011 for his MP seat? it now our turn to rule, let join forces to decide our destiny. we should make the senior citizens retire?
#13, Chewe, naumfwa sana uluse and has decided to come back. Ifi fibantu fyalinkalipisha sana.. impersonating me , calling me bored housewife etc. I could not swallow any more and decided to take my energies elsewhere & tending to my lovely garden , wrap xmas gifts to friends,family, workmates and not forgeting my lovely Aussie mother in-law. My red wine is still with meof course..
I will stay on the blog for all those who care about me.. long live the blogg..
The fake ‘Cutey’ with 2 differsnt flags beside this one can stay put..i don’t care the boot!!! [-x[-x[-x**==
Merry Xmas madam Cutey, God morning!!!
#23,Thanks, thats soothing. Merry Xmas and prosperous New Year to all your loved ones, family, friends and Mother ‘ZAMBIA’ **==**==**==**===d>=d>=d>=d>=d>=d>
Nine Chale, How is your lovely German family today?? Happy Xmas and prosperous New year. You are one of those who are concerned about me genuinely on this blogg.2 persons have impersonated me and I take that as ‘personal injury’ bullcrap to them.. I don’t do gossip with my neighbours considering they are chinese and all I can hear behind the fence is screaming between mother and child ‘whatever’, the other neighbours are renting and they know they are not staying for life like me in my home., so I find blogging about ‘Mother Zambia ‘ a little bit ‘homely’. Am not bored.. my mind is just too busy…I have a lovely hubby, family and a big post/position at work…. =d>=d>=d><:-p<:-p<:-p<:[-x[-x[-x[-x
Its about time we discused this issue. I have been talking about the horrible, old and lack of initiativeold madala taking our young women. It’s time we took the stirring and redirect our future.
The youths are busy dying of aka doyo (AIDS) plus too much Umoba (bear drinking)..and when its politics they want to try, it has nothing to do with patriotism…Its a means of trying to find ways of cyphoning money for more bears and women. In a nutshell, it starts with us the youth..lets change the way we think try to be a little broad minded..lets fight for whats right with a little patriotism….
Morning everyone,me am gud.Nalile akabwali aka t/bone for supper.So i slept to much! Ubushimbe bwafya.
Cutey,gud to hear from you.Dont mind those confused characters who attacked you. Tell me who that chap is. Te chi Golyati fye?
Cutey tell me whoever said that nonsense against you i wil handle him.I enjoy your contributions on this blog,so there should be no man or woman to attack you like that.Inga ni chi Golyati chala mona lekeni fye!
TETAMASHIMBA ANNULS MAYORAL ELECTIONS IN PF DOMINATED AREAS. WHAT LAW IS HE USING? OR IS IT SHEER MADNESS? PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME
the slogan that the youth are the future leader is far from being a reality as far as Zed is concerned.what i see is a dark cloud hoovering over mother Zed.what do you expect when people who are to be in the fore front championing the causes of the youth are the ones busy boot licking RB.UNZA being one of highest learning institution should not be seeing carrying burners of a political phoenix.where does this leave a common youth?i strongly think there is need for mental realignment of the youth and not to wait for the madalas to change and consider the poor youth.
Mmmmmhhm, I have learnt my lesson and I will be careful this time around.. one of the flags was your flag…So you might be one of them. I am not going to exclude anyone…(no offence meant, though I was offended big time)and what was said was at one point very nauseating..I’ve never dialogued with Golyati… %-(%-(%-(%-(%-(%-(>:p>:p>:p>:p
Why don`t we have the under sixteen leading us? its simply because the frontal cortex (part of brain) is under developed or is stil developing where as for those above 65 is undergoing degeneration, getting to the stage of the under sixteens . so what do you expect from such fellows definitely low out put .This spells trouble for zambia.
Cutey me being one of those who attacked you? All i can remember is just talking about red wine and how you enjoyed youselves with Sarah Jones,talking about Thandiwe thats all.The worst thing i can ever do on this blog is to annoy you,real baby C,Sarah Jones and Supergal.
Cutey if you are upset with me,then am out of here.bye!
#36, all I said was one of the impersonators flag was same as yours. If you are inocent … no need to get upset/leave…as simpe as that… :-?:-?:-?:-?:)>-:)>-:)>-:)>-
sata go back to the land chimudala iwe walusaa sana :):)
:-?…and those youths in formal employed are declared redundant. This week OVER 1,500 MINERS have been rendered jobless following the closure of Luanshya Copper Mine. How many of these Miners are the Imiti ikula (youths)?:-?:((:((
ALL
Real baby C has spoiled my relationship with my man,though she is a good blogger but to me personally she is not good,because of what she has done. iam ready to leave her alone if she can as well leave my man alone.we are both tired of her.please bear with me iam human.Martworld,Ba moze,and the rest,sorry for the confusion.This issue is real.I rest my case.
NUMBER #41 :-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-
@:-@:-@:-@^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^
VOTE FOR ME 2011. I PROMISE TO HOST THE ALL AFRICAN GAMES
SYMBOL IS PALM TREE
#40 Nishani dear? Awe leta ilyashi mwe. LT this is a good article and spot on. Obama took time to think and plan that he will someday aspire for the presidency in the USA. RB basically NEVER had ANY aspirations on being president. Currently people the country is being run on auto pilot, how do you run a country when you never in a million years thought one day you would become president? You never had a plan or vision on the way you wanted to take the country forward. Awe kwena ba youth lets rise up.
Real Baby C ‘FAKE’
Today Ithought of spoilin myself with movies,i didnt want to comment on any topic,of course I’ve been reading the posting.Iam really shocked by what you have just said.If that is true my dear I can assure you that The man is yours and no one will take him away from you.One thing that I know is pipo who leave their lovers will never enjoy love the way they enjoyed it with their first lover,but one painful thing is to be left then after the chap realises that he/she is missing something that’s when he/she will come back pleading.This is where I respect all the ladies,you are really good with forgiving,but with men ninshi capwa.My dear Iam so sorry.Stay blessed.
Matworld
who is this alcoholic woman called Cutey all she talks about is a glass of wine? Lady go get a life join AA :-w:-w:-w
People this is not aunt Josephine blog so dont talk about your affairs be civilized please. :-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^
Pa LT kwena pali beef zoona……………………….Chili shani bane?
stop complaining..u the guyz who vote for old guyz..if u vote for old people who do u think they’ll choose as their ministers or whatever,obviously their friends or people they are used 2….its high time we chose some1 with some youth blood in them who gonna turn things around….
Yes!!!! its time us the youth took over some of these positions i think even other countries look at us and laugh coz people in strategic positions are all old so where do the youth come in,people like vj must rest and only give advice when its needed,manje iye he wants to make money so he will stay in each and every ruling govt takwaba.we have young people with big brains just like i can tell some bloggers on lt can make very good ministers and leadres nomba balatuchinga…
Youths, if you think you will see a time when all leadership positions will be at one go occupied by the youths , then you are in for a rude shock . The youths are indeed alreedy in leadership positions – a lot of young vibrant youths are in managerial and directoral positions in Zambia today unlike in the past where only old guys used to occupy those positions. What else do you want ? Unless maybe you are talking about political leadership. This again is because many youths still think that politics is for old people . It is high time the youths started getting involved in serious politics – not only to be used as party cadres.The fact is that the process will always be gradual. ALA !:-?
#45 Awe mwandi fyanyanya ifyama personal issues which we do not know about and are least interested. It seems you know each other imwe bene mwebale leta utuma issues apa, so call each other and leave us OUT of this nonsense ATASE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shinka Manyela # 50 you should learn how to read then you will know that I dont condone those personel issues and I don’t know the people you assume I know.
:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@:-@^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^^:)^
Its too much of these personal issues on the blog. Let us stick to whatever topic is under discussion. The topic today is ‘The youth and Politics in Zambia’.
#51 CHUCHU, I was NOT refering to you and FULLY support your views. I am referring to these same people who are bringing these personal issues pa LT as they seem to know each other.Maybe it is the bemba i used that you did not understand, hope this corrects my earlier comments.
Crap is all I see on here. I am married this! I am happy with my Australian hubby that! I have a good job!
Cutey you must be the only person who is married to an Australian on here! Now do us a favour, leave us alone.
I can assure you, no one will miss you. :d
Shinka Manyela peace my friend
thank you
#54 Anonymous
This is a season of good cheer, why all this bitterness?. We know it is hard in this winter sleeping in the bathroom next to the bathtub in your shared apartment, but please find some reason to smile. Be careful otherwise you will grow old quickly from all this beef and the hard life you experiencing. C’mon be of good cheer if not for anything just for the fact that Christ was born.
GOLYATI,
Amen. ^:)^^:)^^:)^
Golyati on a Saturday? This ain`t true. Golyati whose Laptop or PC are you using today?
Ah well you are at that Internet Cafe! Golyati did you take the trouble of looking at the Currys` website?
How is Mumbwa Golyati?
currysdotcodotuk. Click on phones. I bet for the first time you will see that there are phones which use power.
Ubututu Golyati!
:d
LT WHATS HAPPENING TO MY BLOGS!!!!
What’s all this about when we had an opportunity to have a young man as President but opted for the madala.
Hello Chi Golyati!
I bet Golyati K2 000 acikwata yapwa.
Golyati I have friend who has an Internet Cafe. Next tme you want to use the net let me know.
Alternatively you can borrow my Laptop. I have mobile internet on it. :d
Ba LT anything new? May be we an tackle the Chibamba Kanyama analysis I have seen on Zamnet. :d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d
Chiluba woke up the late sleeping giant Mwanawasa to be MMD’s sole presidential candidate; Mwanawasa also woke up the sleeping giant RB to be his vice. Which sleeping giant will RB wake up tomorrow to replace him? There is an expression which states that: A child is only seen and not heard! We implement it effectively in our African politics; not to mention if these same young people are not initiated, then they are not even seen because in the eyes of the bashikulubantu they don’t count! THE YOUTH ARE NOT THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW; BUT OF TODAY!!! Why should we count and bank on tomorrow as if we know what tomorrow has in store for us?! Let us take up our political positions today, not tomoro
These Quacks are too selfish to intergrate the yourth in the syatem.
They dont learn!!!
We need to work hard to replace the old fox when you look to people like Osmo Mumba and Silapwa these are the ones who are destroying youth they have no morals. Lets aswork hard and get matured in monies,homes and life.
DNS
Good morning bloggers. A very relevant topic with quite sensible comments for a change. This is what we like to see on LT.
The problem could be partly that we do not have serious political debating in Universities. This is due to the fact that the only time students want to take on the govt is when their BC is late. It would be different if our institutions of higher learning were run like before, not where students spend their free time doing kambies.
You see my fellow youths, go in politics and run for elections at lower, medium and higher levels in political parties. Run as councillors, MPs and even President at conventions and during general elections. caine Mweemba at least ran for MMD President. The rest of you are just bloggers, arm chair critics. Apart from that you are drunkhards, womanisers and entertainment seeking irresponsible youths. So why compalin about the grey haired when you are not ready to pay the price. Its not going to be easy just talking in internet cafes and in pubs. All you characers abroad pack ur bags and bring your fat asses home and join active politics so that you face the challenges.
I have a feeling Golyati is Tula Twabane
#25 Cutey, sorry it took so long for me to respond to you wonderful greeting on #25, I’ve actually just seen it. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and everyone else here a peaceful and safe Christmas, and a prosperous 2009.
Never mind the haters & impersonators. The Internet is like an aquarium, we are all swimming in the same water, so it’s worthless to take things personal. My family is fine thanks, be good & take care of yours too.
🙂
#56 Golyati u really cracked me up :))You guys are comedians.
Greetings to you all and thanks to all those that have wished me through their inclusive comments a happy festive season. However, I am one person who doesnt celebrate christmas because of its origins. I celebrate New Year though and will enjoy it, by God’s grace one more time.
Coming to the topic, I have almost always mentioned that the Undereducate Sata has no place in the future political leadership of GRZ. President RB Banda my not have probably stood for President if Sata was not vying for that position. A lot of people even VJ Mwaanga and Daniel Munkombwe cant let Sata rule Zambia and that is why they are still protecting us PERIOD. Support UPND with young HH and all will be ok.
In Cabinet, Obama goes for experience, pragmatism
By CHARLES BABINGTON, Associated Press Writer Charles Babington,
WASHINGTON – Barack Obama has wholeheartedly embraced experience in choosing his Cabinet.
That may seem at odds with the president-elect’s campaign theme of “change we can believe in.” But some Democratic activists and nonpartisan analysts say it makes sense, given the dire economy and public anxiety.
Obama has tapped senators and representatives, governors and veteran bureaucrats to help him confront the challenges of two wars, a crippled financial system and a deepening recession.
Zambian youths have perfected in insults, insubordination and directionless visions.Youthful National level leadership is developed from willingness to be mentored and serve under institutional leadership available.Democracy has been misunderstood as a system of friction and insubordination.The Greatest loser over time in real terms is the same overself seeking insolent youth.Those who exhibit maturity and judgement they are adequately and silently nurtured for the leadership challenge.They are educated, trained,gradually empowered and launched into leadership.You cannot draw leadership from the inexperienced.No system is exclusive of the experienced senior leadership.Obama has proved it.
75. Senior Citizen greetings and allow me to quote your writings ‘Those who exhibit maturity and judgement they are adequately and silently nurtured for the leadership challenge.They are educated, trained,gradually empowered and launched into leadership.You cannot draw leadership from the inexperienced.No system is exclusive of the experienced senior leadership.Obama has proved it.’
Following this, president HH is educated and young enough for a start. President HH promised to consider Sata for Prime Minister or something and also to look after all the old folk if and when he would take the mantle of Zambian President. What did Sata do, except insulting?
The Undereducate, Sata, needs to humble himself and let the country carry on where he clearly failed.
Also, us as youths must educate our friends on how to VOTE and whats best for our country. We have been to school and let us help those who havent to come to terms with 21st centuary realistic issues.
We need LEADERS who can use their education to solve problems of our COUNTRY. There is need for Town and country Planners to solve the challenges of housing, Water and Sanitation, Transport System, etc in our ailing country.
Others have done it and WE CAN DO IT TOO AS ZAMBIANS, not individuals tribes thinking tribalism will get their candidate to State House and win them appointments.
Maestro Hhehhehhehhe,
your HH has not exhibited maturity, judgement and steady stay on any fundamentals national leadership is drawn on.Allow me to disappoint you that i don’t see him getting anywhere politically.I can be categorical on a list of many of his deficiencies but it better to stop here.
Thanks very much 78.Senior Citizen. I actually respet your opinion, but TIME WILL TELL – for this is what I believe – and I can not rule president HH out of the presidential race. So, I assure you that I am not disappointed and will never be disappointed because I take things as they come.
If president HH was not a force to reckon with, why is everyone panicking and trying to remove him from the UPND presidency? Anyhow, like you suggested, let us leave it here on HH.
On the youths, I believe we do not have to wait for anybody to tell us this or that or even groom us. What is at stake, according to me, is to put up a good fight and lastly use “never, never, never, give up” as motivation!