2010-Kaya?

By Chanda Mwenya

Reading this article?- thank God. You have lived to see the year 2010. Undoubtedly, Danny Siulapwa in his future pondering song ‘Kaya’ was a voice for many of us who thought we would perhaps never live to see this day. If we keep holding our breath for another six months we could even watch the spectacular 2010 world cup. However, there is more to life than surviving 10 years of the millennium and watching the world cup.

To begin with, we should thank the almighty God for giving us this life. Think of how many people have not survived this day! This would help us appreciate our existence and fulfill our purpose in this millennium. The biggest resource that we have is our breath. Let us be more objective, focused and work on our weakness us we look back over the millennium. If we set our goals right and commit ourselves we will not only succeed as individuals but as a family, a community and as a nation.

Plans are already underway for updating the voter’s registration-which should not be mistaken as a mock exercise, following a mock plane crash reported in Lusaka over the weekend. Next year we will be going to the tripartite polls to elect a ‘new’ president who will be entrusted to run the affairs of our beloved country, until 2016- that is a long time to break or make. We need to participate in the governance of the country day in day out and ensure that our national resources are distributed equitably.

It seems Zambians are only allowed to exercise their right to vote and their right to remain silent; while other fundamental human rights such as their right to information, right to education, right to shelter and even right to good health are stumbled upon; like those 46 innocent Mazabuka women who have been infected with the deadly HIV virus in the name of medical research.

The infamous Microbicide Gel drug test is not just another medical scandal but a serious violation of human rights and a clear exhibition of mediocrity by leaders. Why is Zambia always a case in these HIV/AIDS, health circus- Kaya?

I am afraid 10 years into the millennium we will continue be greeted with more outrageous events as long as we continue with our Kaya mind-set. Do you even remember the last time you saw your area member of parliament? I can assure you, with a general election around the corner, sooner rather than later your honorable will start trotting to your neighborhood with drums of Chibuku while distributing sugar and Vintege imprinted with some of the ugly faces on the planet.

Spare yourself from nightmares, think of what you will do for mother Zambia this year.