PARLIAMENTARY chief whip, Vernon Mwaanga says the criticism of his statement to Parliament that diplomats should use established diplomatic channels to air their views is based on ignorance and misinformation.
Mr Mwaanga said this in an interview in Lusaka yesterday in reaction to criticism from some opposition leaders and civil society organisations over his statement to Parliament on Friday.
“The criticism of my statement has been based on ignorance and misinformation. There are established diplomatic channels through which grievances can be expressed to a host Government,” he said.
Mr Mwaanga said he is not against diplomats criticising Government but that they should use the established diplomatic channels to do so instead of going to the media to “give tutorials” on Parliament and Government decisions.
“I have been a top diplomat and I have served in Britain, Oslo and several other countries and I have been a foreign minister twice so I know what I am talking about. We cannot have a situation where diplomats behave like opposition parties to a host country,” Mr Mwaanga said.
He gave an example of how the Zambian Government withdrew the accreditation of a Zambian diplomat, Mr Ali Simbule, who publicly criticised the British Government in the manner it was handling the Rhodesia situation.[quote]
Mr Mwaanga said the British Government complained that Mr Simbule should not have made the statement publicly, adding that the Zambian Government agreed with them.
“Diplomacy becomes counter productive when you begin to criticise the Government that you are accredited to. This kind of thing does not happen in other countries, it is done by using established diplomatic channels,” Mr Mwaanga said.
He advised people who do not have an idea of how diplomacy is conducted to stay out of the debate.
“Diplomatic etiquette demands that established channels be followed.
My fear is that if the intolerance of other people’s views is allowed, the country will drift towards dictatorship. Some people cannot criticise my statement on how diplomacy should be conducted,” Mr Mwaanga said.
Mr Mwaanga said he has been a practising diplomat for many years and that the manner in which diplomacy should be conducted has not changed.
Recently, some diplomats expressed shock at the acquittal of Dr Chiluba.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
What channels iwe ka VJ? You still live in the past. Politics have moved on. You were aggitating simply because Tom spoke to the media which is how it should be now. Let the people know how crap you are. By the way do not get their £37 million if you don`t want to be criticised.
Think they have the right to comment on hoe the hard earned tax payer’s cash is spent.
VJ
I ma 100% with you on this one. They should and must follow protocal. I suggested they either join M’membe at the post as editors I prefer they are quiet . For me their comments are not welcome. mutual respect is cardinal. That is why today the west respect every country that has demanded mutual respect. They will talk about Venezuela, Iran Libya because these are contries that have demanded mutual respect. Continue pushing the point Mr. VJ at least you have me behind you.
Ka VJ do you think Brits and all tax payers in Britain would be happy to hear that this is how you spend their £37million they give you? You pockect it and ask Tom to keep quiet?
Yo See through, apparently your eyes are made out of some apaque substance. All those countries you have mentioned have one thing in common, they are all economically independent. So if we don’t want these guys to be butting into our affairs, may be it’s time we worked on this
Teta is gone… you are next?
#3 would you keep quiet and follow the non existence diplomatic channels if you give your hard earned money to someone who doesnt use it or channel it to the intended projects, when it comes to stealing there is no diplomacy,these donors have every right to complain about the misuse of ther tax payers money in whatever way they see fit,if the government feels it can do without aid,well and good,but this is not their money,someone worked hard for it,thier comments might not be welcome to you maybe because you have benefited in one way through the same people who have stolen,go out in the streets of zambia and see what people are going through then you will maybe understand how dire the situation is…chiluba stole and is a thief period,that money he stole was meant for some project somewher
LT TRASH. THIS NEWS WAS FOR YESTERDAY. THAT IS THE PROBLEM OF COPY CAT
the statement is useless and only guilty lads like you VJ can respond to this. In your long term service in government and diplomatic service, you have achieved nothing and you are a bad example to young politicians. You almost died when you were fired by Mwanswasa coz you had nothing with you left. So what shit can you tell Zambians or Diplomats when you have achieved nothing but poop on you long term diplomatic service that you are boosting about? you will die like a rat mate. To me, you are not an icon for Z
Stop begging if you don’t want to be criticised! These folks should not worry about donor criticism, but rather what they should do in order to be weaned off this donor aid
Yes that is tax payers monies, so they are concerned and want to know the position.
God please do something, bushe mukamugeta lwisa uyu muntu??? papa we are tired of this man…….
The body of the guide Themba a Zimbabwean that fell at the Victoria falls finally has been found after one of the Livingstone Island guide climbed and pulled the body that was stuck in the hole at the edge of the falls.The family of the late from Zim had put a Usd 1,000 for any one who will remove the trapped body at the edge of the falls.Respect the mighty Mosi-o-tunya falls that death will put us part from the living
#10 I agree with you totally!!! Until you stop begging and depending on other countries, the donors will always have a say in Zambian internal matters concerning financial management related issues!!! e.g Diplomats in SA do not comment on SA internal issues because SA is not a begger!!! Balimi kongwesha!!!
When is the Chief rigger passing on kansi.What about the Chinese Diplomat who was up in arms with Sata,you yokels supported the Chinaman.What channels when you are stealing their money.If you dont want them to comment stop knocking on their doors with a begging bowl
Could someone explain what the difference between a “top diplomat” and a diplomat is. Is it the channels they use to air their views?
Oh yes Tonga Bull. Painful as it is, we should at some point start designing mechanisms to wean ourselves off this donor aid. Can’t imagine going through Varsity, let alone getting a job where I work 12 hours day if at some time I had not gotten off mum’s breast milk! Would have been a perpertual incovenience on my dear mama, while my perpetual dependence on her wouldn’t have allowed leave Mother Zambia to chart my destiny
#16 it is common sense really. The Top diplomatic has more experience and has handled high profile situations than a normal diplomat. Also ranking comes in as well. Like a foreign minister is supposed to be a top diplomat and and a ambassador an ordinary diplomat. Just like in football you have a top striker and a journeyman striker. Usual top strikers bang in a lot of goals.
Back to the topic am surprised HH in the POST is still defending this issue. It so easier said than done and I hope Mature and smart Zambians can read through this. HH is just desperate and I bet he would not allow this if he was in charge that is just a fact and I suggest he stops politicking really
The ignorance on this website never goes away i can go forever and it still will be here, Honestly what is there for you people to disagree with VJ????? it is common sense that deplomats have set channels to air there views. Do you honestly think that openly criticizing the UK government fdrom the Zed Embarcy would be tolerated be serious guys dont just talk nfor the sake of.
Mwilayichefya
#18 Bootlicker, you agree that Zambia is abegger right!!!??
this man is alive!-please u ve let us done enough follow teta.
#18 Iwe chi Bootlicker away with your tripe. You i d i o t s are panicking just because Tom spoke to the media. You wanted him to keep quiet when it`s his tax which you are pocketing. Tell you what, pray that Labour wins the next elections or you will be seeing cuts. They (Labour) have been very patient and honestly I see no sense in giving to Zambia and cutting spending on education. Do you know that it`s only in Africa that £37million is nothing? Mwilatukalifya mwembushi mwe!
VJ has got a point though his point can not be seen to be so valid becoz of his history as a rotten politician. Rotten he is due to the fact that he can not stand up to point out corruption when it is clear for all to see but stands to condemn those who are displeased by the same corruption. It simply shows how corrupt this old minion is. I like HHs example in the post today that how would VJ feel if he donates money ” if he has any” and it is abused. What a useless, hopeless, sanctimonious, tired and irrelevant human being he is.
Ba vj wat are you saying? namukota retire!
VJ GO AND REST,YOU ARE TIRED THAT MUCH YOU KNOW.
Seeking employment as Zambian ambassador to Zambia. Through my new channel all Zambians are free to air their grievances against the misrepresentation of Zambia by Zambians. Embassy to be set up at state house which is no stranger to housing Zambians of unclear motivation. My first task is to find representation so the illegal eviction of the monkeys is reversed. Since when were animals at state house personal property? If anything like dogs they clearly marked their territory and diplomatically informed RB he was on their turf. As for VJ… he knows all about the use of diplomatic pouches… er….I mean channels.
Chief Bootlicker those are lies,dont comment on stuff you have no idea of,dont expose your ignorance like that,top striker and journeyman,what nonsense and drivel
Thanks sexist for admitting that you used to be. The world has changed. My advice is for you to go and read on stakeholder analysis. Please note other countries have vast interest in our affairs that’s the reason the give donations and loans even supplying and buying from us.
Former Mr Sexist when are you going to retire from public life? It is worrying that you are talking about history the days of throwing stones.
3, VJ has you, me and many other right minded Zambians behind him. VJ never said that diplomats should never give their opinion on how their money is applied or misapplied, he simply and correctly guided everyone to follow diplomatic etiquette. Remember these etiquettes were taught us by the same donors, so VJ is simply reading from their book of diplomatic rules. As for baby Sata (HH), just shut up. If you have to open your mouth please give us your comments on GBM tribal rantings in Kasama.
It’s sad that people like VJ, with his humble educational background coupled with years of dangerous drug trafficking and rotten immoral promiscuous behavioul conduct can call any one as being ignorant and misinformed. Who whenhe was Minister of Foreign Affairs tried to established diplomatic ties with De Klerk and also tried to sell us to China’s rebal province for US$2 million? Who when he was ambassador turned into an MI5 and CIA ahent spying against his own country? About Simbule and his expulsion from the UK, well, who gave information about Nkomo’s residence to the CIA which the passed on to Smith who nearly killed Nkomo? No other than VJ. Diplomacy has changed a lot, no more VJ mercenaries.
VJ should not lie to people about his diplomatic knowledge, he is nothing but a piece of bull. When he was in the US, the likes of Mwai Kibaki were also there and he was the laughing stoke of the diplomatic community there because of his little education. There was even a romour he was taking it in from the backside from the then UN chief, U Thant because he was seen a number of times walking from the chief’s office, limping!
Natalie i like your name but not your rantings. Someone asked why the MMD Govt were quite when the Chinese (Chocholi) ambassador was shadow boxing with King Cobra b4 the 2006 elections, just help us to answer the same.. Natalie comment!! Interestning…..GRZ has gone into defense mode now that GAK ”George Acquital Kunda” SC (State Confuser) has successfully misled everyone. You dont even have plan B if donors switch off their financial taps. Who wouldnt be mad when you are not interested in recovering your money yet you want foreighners to fund you? Chopeti….!!
VJ was banned from European countries and at one time FTJ was forced to drop him from GRZ. I dont know his status now, but I wonder
These diplomats have exhausted all channels and Zed Govt does change. It’s like childreen, if they dont change after you have talked to them several times, you get a stick and whip them. Established channels have noit worked. VJ cant lecture the diplomats now. Shame on all who steal donor money. What’s the point of having established diplomatic channels if you keep stealing. We in the UK are paying a lot of tax and you politicians back home are stealing it.
The other day I read on LT that the police did not give people a permit to demonstrate against Chiluba’s case. However, a few weeks earlier I read that there were people allowed to gather to celebrate Chiluba’s case. Now that sends the wrong signal worldwide about freedom of speech in Zed. It would be interesting to hear VJ as a trained diplomat make a comment on that matter. VJ has to take into consideration these diplomats are concerned about the sanitation problem, deforestation, health care crisis, low education rates etc They react to crises unlike Zed leaders . Despite Zed having resources to be successful it is being mismanaged. Donors want to continue helping Zed however, are accountable to their taxpayers. They need results….I think they speak out because they do care about…
This to VJ or his agent. Mr. Mwaanga you have served under all our 4 Presidents and so you should be to know why Diplomats are complaining. For example in 19969 Zambia was CLASSFIED A MID- INCOME COUNTRY, with one THE HIGHEST GDPs IN AFRICA, 3 TIMES THAT OF KENYA, TWICE THAT OF EGYPT, and HIGHER THAN BRAZIL, MALASIA, TURKEY AND SOUTH KOREA. So can VJ explain why all these countries have not only surpassed us but we have sank below the ZERO line? Dont talk about copper prices! No! The reason is that people like you VJ are very influential on thePresident of the day. So much that they not able to listen to any one else, You ensure that the President continue to campaign even when its not election time thus neglecting all developmental matters.
When is VJ going to be declared ‘stable’? Iwe chiBootlicker, are you being silly on purpose or what? HH is a politician it is his job to politick! As the opposition it is HH job to question the government of the day. Disagreeing and providing checks and balances to the MMD isn’t politicking. You MMD chaps are killing the country and there is a place in hell for you and all your counterparts in governement. You are all going to burn!
VJ is not a diplomat. VJ is a drug dealer who used his position to peddle drugs. Anyone who listens to this imbecile must reassess their stand on their understanding of what diplomats do. VJ got fired from govt over his Katumbi (Congo) issue. This guy has lost touch with the duties of what a diplomat does. Guys, if I give you money to pay for your kids school fees and you go drink using that money, definitely you should expect tongue rushing from me or my spouse or my representative. When VJ talks of established channels, he means sweeping the dirty under the carpet. Western nations are not in Zambia to be accomplishes to crimes. VJ must be able to come to the US and face the law if he really is a diplomat.
#38 Do not read too much into the so called “firing” of VJ by Levy over the Congo DR issue. If you know your politics and diplomacy you would realise that the “firing” was most, most probably meant to divert attention and save the then president from embarrassment after the Post poked their nose into a very delicate diplomatic mission that they least understood, as usual. VJ was sacrificed in the interests of the nation (you, me and other Zambians) and he has never complained. To me that is the mark of a true patriot and tested diplomat, never mind other past mistakes.
#38 And if you listened to the 13.15hrs news on ZNBC, you will have heard that government has met the diplomats over the matter of donors/diplomats going against diplomatic etiquette by criticising government publicly as reported by some media houses (no prize for a correct guess). The diplomats have denied the reports and pointed out that if they did issue any comments they would have identified themselves as per diplomatic etiquette. If this news item is a lie by Hon Shikapwasha the diplomats will then be justified to deny it and reiterate their stand publicly. As the matter stands now VJ has been vindicated WHOLESOMELY.
natalie (40), I feel personally insulted by your statement, ‘never mind other past mistakes’. VJ and his sons peddled my sister drugs and once they had a hold on her they used her to smuggle them on their behalf. So don’t tell me that this devil is a patriot! I am absolutely fuming and I don’t think it is too strong to say that you and your ilk are the reason why life expectancy in Zambia is 37 years old. When the day of judgement comes you will burn my dear.
# 39 you state “VJ was sacrificed in the interests of the nation (you, me and other Zambians) and he has never complained”. What are insunuating? Are you saying VJ was not dealing drugs in the US? Are you saying VJ was did not say that statement in Congo? What are you talking about? Next you will tell me that VJ is not sick. It is someone else who is sick and people are pointing at VJ as a sacrifice. One other issue is the mention of ZNBC, I feel disgusted to hear that name. I don’t listen to govt mouth pieces. It is waste of time to even try to find it on my computer.
#36 Your questions about Zambia lagging behind in development are valid, and have been asked by many before you. However your reasoning and rationale are shallow and hollow to say the least. You need to ask yourself that question as a Zambian among 12 million others. VJ is an individual like you and cannot be selectively blamed for Zambia’s mess. If you want to know the real reasons for Zambia’s under development, you do not have to look far. It is the attitude of Zambians like you whose mindsets are conditioned to spend all their time criticising everybody and everything without any good reason, who will never spot a good thing or an opportunity. What we need for development is not being shackled by mmembe, but rather a critical mass of Zambians with a positive attitude.
#41 I am very sorry to have hurt your feelings, and in particular the mention of your (and my) dear sister. I can assure you that I fully understand the debilitating effects of drugs and would not want such things to happen to anybody else. I therefore detest drugs and their peddlers. However, separating the grain from the chaff, VJ remains correct on the issue of diplomatic etiquette and I make no apology for this. As for #42, as a free citizen you are entitled to read what you prefer but do not act ignorant if the facts happen to be on ZNBC and not in your preferred media.
By the way, is someone suggesting that VJ drugged the presidents who have appointed him as their minister? Just a direct question for debate.
Natalie, no one is criticizing no apparent reason. Money was stolen and corruption is in every office pa Zed, are you saying let us just continue working hard and corruption will disappear on its own? It is your reasoning that is shallow and hollow. People should learn to ask and protest when things go wrong. Zambians in fact are like a cup that is open for anything and everything. It does not ask whether the water is cold or hot, it does not ask if it is water or urine, or alcohol or anything. That is how we have been for too long. When you talk of VJ being one person, it is like you don’t know how things work pa Zed. It is policies that make or break our economy. Politicians in Zambia are sacred and rule with impunity. Hope this will help you understand where people are coming from.
What facts are on ZNBC? Since when did ZNBC work with facts? ZNBC as a propaganda machine does not look for facts. It is given stories to tell the nation and people like you. ZNBC like Times of Zambia and Daily Mail have their reporters queuing up at Shikapwasha and Mulongoti’s offices. You call that news.
Natalie, you make me sick talking with your forked tongue. Please don’t insult the memory of my sister by claiming her as yours. In one instance you herald VJ as a patriot and on another you claim you detest drug dealers. Do you mean to tell me that you didn’t know that Vernon Mwaanga was a drug dealer?! Madam, you are vile and a curse to the nation of Zambia. You look away when non-physical manslaughter is being committed by our politicians and then stand up to be counted when they need defending.
VJ , Your top diplomat does not amount to anything, who cares???
Someone needs to remind VJ that what he speaks about is the past, he was a ‘top diplomat’ back in the day and like anything else, politics has evolved. In this day and age, democracy allows for people to freely express thier opinions. He views are not a representation of the modern Zambia so i even wonder why the likes of him are still allowed to hold such integral positions in the running of government. Hasn’t he served enough, i mean what more does he have to offer? Surely, the population of Zambia has an abundant wealth of capable leaders…? VJ needs to take a leaf from the likes of KK who bowed out of politics gracefully and now use their influence on worthy causes such as the fight against HIV/Aids.
#48 No matter how detestable drugs and VJ are, nothing takes away the requirement for diplomats to observe diplomatic etiquette, and respect the host’s sovereignty. That is the issue under discussion, in case your anger has clouded your thought process.
#46/47 Mr Kalos2020 What I am saying is that we should think and analyse issues objectively and not be led by mob or media psychology. I do not see much of that on these blogs including yourself. Good night and close of chapter.
Whatever the some of the ignorant bloggers on this site are going to say, the fact remains that VJ is still 100% right. Yes, the so-called donors or are they pledgers have the right to comment on our national issues but there are laid down procedures agreed upon by the family of civilised nations through the conventions or protocols we signed.The UK and other countries who are now yapping are signatories to these protocols and they know what obtains. Besides, are these not the Britons who made Chiluba, prior to his becoming President simply because they wanted to remove Kenneth Kaunda from power like they are trying to do to Mugabe? Wasn’t Kaunda reminding us Zambians to be careful in whom we vote into plot 1 in 1991?
VJ is one of Zambia’s most notorious drug barons and a symbol of the corruption that threatens to thwart the country’s transformation to a stable democracy. At one point, he was the godfather of a gang that controlled trafficking in barbiturates, including Mandrax, which is a hallucinogen, from laboratories in India to a booming market in South Africa. Once caught in West Germany read-handed with mandrax, the man is now a shadow of his former self, he is now just saturated with the spirit of “tenze top diplomat bantu”. He also has a cocktail of VD and STD and HIV infections from his addiction to copulating live-wire with prostitutes
Kalekeni ka VJ, kali mupepi no kufwa. Do you recall how Teta became a careless mouth shortly before he died? Vj is going the same way. forget him, that walking skeleton is about to pack up. Long live donors, abash VJ!!
The usual nonsense – DELETED
die VJ, you have outlived ur usefulness.
Wow, VJ still the blubber mouth huh? Well, I guess if you’re begging for AID from these countries then you have NO right to speak against them in public, fair and square. On the other hand, ba VJ shuwa, all these years in boma and this is the one thing you feel you need to “check” sombody on….come one man. You know the deal…hell, you been eating big since the damn 50’s and this is 2009 playa. Just shut tha fuq up already! Ba Simbule, if you’re reading this, know that Mr Mosi got your back. Speak on it brother, speak on it, pantu the Brits are just as fuqqed up as the rest of the US…always trying to bully some little countries ala. Speak on it brother…I’ll give you a job in my cabinet when I become Zed next Prezido. MOSI FOR PRESIDENT, ba mambala!
You really do not understand the issues and really have nothing to say but you have to open your mouth anyway.