The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has been following with keen interest the PF Government’s assurances and promises since its historic victory of 20th September, 2011. YALI is saddened with the U-Turns that have characterized the PF’s 60days in government on a number of key issues of national interest. This constant change of positions and U-turns does not inspire confidence amongst our people and the youth who voted in large numbers for this Government.
YALI considers it unpatriotic to argue that assurances and promises made by the PF were mere campaign promises, and that once the PF had formed government, it has had to rationalize and make well-informed decisions against positions which won them the election. Such narrow-minded reasoning simply means that the PF leadership did not understand the issues they were talking about during the campaign period and would only mean two things: either the PF did not actually believe in what they had been saying or is deliberately misleading and taking the Zambian people for granted. The PF Government must be judged based on its manifesto and assurances it continued to make after forming government.
[pullquote]The expectations of our people are very high; they need jobs, more money in their pockets and better opportunities as per the PF campaign promises[/pullquote]
The Constitutional-making process
The Republican President and the Patriotic Front as a whole told the people of Zambia that they will deliver a new Constitution within 90 days. YALI believes that this was not merely a campaign issue but also contributed to the loss the MMD suffered in the tripartite elections. The assurance was in tandem with the longing of Zambians for a people-driven constitution that would stand the test of time. The promise by the ruling party to deliver the Constitution within the 90-day period was not only a relief to many Zambians but also raised people’s hopes and inspired their confidence in the PF Government. This roadmap was not only logical but also cost-effective as Government would not go on yet another path of wasting taxpayers’ money on a process that has been adequately deliberated and exhausted by the previous Constitution Review Commissions (CRCs). It is therefore very disappointing and frustrating that this Government has decided to U-turn on this very important promise to the Zambian people by deliberately delaying the process.
What is particularly annoying is the fact that even when he opened the First Session of the 11th National Assembly, the President assured Zambians that the new Constitution will be in place within 90 days. The President’s speech in parliament is not a campaign promise but a roadmap and government assurance which Government provides to the Zambian people on what is expected to be implemented during the whole year. This is a very important speech and the President, his advisors, if he has any, together with the Honourable Justice Minister Sebastian Zulu, SC should have thought through all the pronouncements before delivering this important speech to the nation.
YALI believes the terms of reference for the Committee of experts to review the previous four Constitutions is not only unnecessary but will also elongate the period and will be done at a great cost to taxpayers. Young leaders have taken legal notice that the Willa Mung’omba Constitution Review Commission had already reviewed submissions to all previous CRCs and repeating the process is merely a waste of the much needed public resources and an affront to justice and national development.
The U-turn by Government from the 90-day period to 365-days for delivering the supreme law of the land has no nobility at all and is meant to create opportunities for patronage among eminent persons and organisations appointed to review the Constitution in a process which is simply putting “more money in the few individuals’ pockets.” We are of the opinion that issues of numbers and demographic composition of the committee of experts is and must never be an issue. YALI is of the view that such a Committee is in fact unwarranted at this stage of the country’s constitution-making process. The work that this Committee is doing has already been done by the able members of the previous CRCs. Young leaders are of the view that technocrats in the Ministry of Justice should have been, within the 90-day period, directed to review contentious issues, errors and inconsistencies in the previous Constitution which collapsed in the last session of Parliament thereby saving a lot of resources going into this process.
The Fight against Corruption
YALI fears that the fight against corruption in Zambia is slowly becoming another kleptocratic tool to gunner political mileage. If this trend is not reversed, Zambia will continue witnessing misallocation of billions of taxpayers to benefit few individuals at the expense of national development. YALI, in the strongest terms, condemn the very thought of the Republican President to appoint convicts and questionable characters that have been tainted with corruption and amassed unexplained wealth. We note that the President has gone on the same path of using excessive presidential powers he used to condemn as an opposition leader to pardon and appoint persons to public service who are appearing before our courts of law even before their cases are concluded. This renders the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary an academic exercise in Zambia’s democratic governance.
We shudder to think the name of Xavier Chungu could have even crossed the mind of the President for appointment to public service. YALI notes that President Sata has among others appointed Emmanuel Mwamba, Chiluba’s press aide as Northern Province Permanent Secretary and former defence minister George Mpombo earmarked as ambassador to Nigeria. These are persons who have not yet been cleared by our courts of law and we do not expect the President to interfere with the due process of the law by issuing unnecessary pardons which only serve his narrow interests. The very mention of such names, including Dr. Simon Miti, Sheryl Thole and pardoning of Judge Ngoma barely a day after the court granted him bail pending the appeal hearing completely negates the talk of fighting corruption and separation of powers. We also demand the Police investigate allegations made by Committee of Citizens director Gregory Chifire that the President’s Son, Mulenga Sata has in the last 60 days bought expensive property among them a brand new Jeep costing about K800 million and a brand new GX, valued at about K1 billion without unnecessarily victimising Mr. Chifire.
Wining the fight against corruption requires principled and resolute leadership against the vice and its perpetrators and promotion of good democratic governance. Our young people will continue to wonder what the fate of Chiluba would have been if he was alive. Was the President going to fulfil his 2006 campaign promise to pardon Chiluba and his tandem of thieves or was he going to stick to his new found love of being ‘allergic to corruption’ or probably U-turn in the same manner his Government has been U-turning on a lot of issues?
Wind fall Taxes on the mines
The PF promised to re-introduce the windfall tax once elected into government, a matter which is well articulated in the PF manifesto. The issue of windfall taxes was very heavily debated before Zambia’s tripartite elections and won the Patriotic Front the peoples support which gave them a mandate to govern this country. YALI strongly believes the matter of wind fall taxes is very crucial and should not be thrown away without convincing, well thought-out and logical explanations from Government. YALI demands that a comprehensive explanation by the President and his Government must be given on why Government has decided to renegade on this important promise.
Conclusion
The expectations of our people are very high; they need jobs, more money in their pockets and better opportunities as per the PF campaign promises. This poses a greater challenge on this government to perform and deliver on its promises as failure to meet these expectations is a time bomb and may result in mass discontent among so many young voters. The consequences of such discontent would be catastrophic as there are enough examples from other parts of the continent for everyone to see. For instance, the uprisings in the Arab world were caused by young people who felt their governments were not paying attention to their needs and aspirations. Zambia may not be spared if these majority young voters feel that they have been deceived. YALI therefore calls on this government to walk the talk and stop wish-washing with the “don’t-kubeba” syndrome in the running of national affairs.
Andrew Ntewewe
Board Chairperson
Young African Leaders Initiative
Another MMD cadre being mistaken for a journalist trying to discredit the PF. If this is the epitome of free press, please consider me a well articulated journalist. This rubbish and should be condemned with the utmost refusal there is
Spoiling my Sunday with Nick
Thanks
Whether you like it or not PF is Governing the affairs of Zambia.Your continued condemnation of nearly everything including falsification of issues will not take you anywhere. We know many of your good selves were used to corruption under the RB regime now that there are no more handouts you resort to all sorts things to discredit the goernment, wailasha mune. Wait and see what Zambia will be ,don’t be an incorrigible.
PF has really made U-Turns and we wonder what will happen in 5 years. This is the more money that people voted for and u have to live by for the next 5 years. Indecision is getting to be part of running government, awe mwe.
yali just rubbish u noise maker,wait and see were this government is taking us.Zambia will never be the same again it will be second from South Africa in development
Interesting read! Was really looking forward to more money in my pocket by xmas time!
I guess the drastic changes I voted for are now more of the same
I have just been informed that Mushota is actually a Grade 11 (she wrote edexcel chapwa).
Constructive criticism, more like it.
Imwe Ba Yali, you are very childish. The Bembas say Ubulimi bwakale tabutalalika Umwana! It seems mulefwaya ukushinsha ba PF ilyo tabalanya. Pf did not say that imidietely we come in power we will make you sleep on the matress if never slept on one. Think like matured people. Why is it that in Zambia there are a lot of organizations with less medular oblangaters? No time to think or analyse what the essence of what they write about? Very premature article. Nembush kuti yalembapo ifyamano.
Ukulemba ifi kutendeka Mushota, echo amyebela amafi.
i doubt if the article published by yali is political: it is a matter of nationanal interest that requires level headed thinking and not insults. we voted the pf into power for a number of reasons but one of the key issues was to give the people of zambia a constitution that reflects the will of the people within the 90 days stipulated in the PF manifetso.
our people need a constitution inacted in a period of 90 days as promised. the govt must be accountable to its citizens and its promises. i
well put kangwa. Zambaians have finished politicking. its time for action. govt must be held accountable for its promises. it does not mean that wen you dont agree with govt then u must be insulted. Big up to yali for being brave and giving us such a powerful statement. send it to the post newspaper as well. the paper that digs deep is widely read so that our people are educated on these isues. Ba President Sata listen to the voices that voted you in office, no need to make a few people happy look at all the peole of Zambia. You are a listening president and you will listen to the concerns of these young people
As usual insults from characters who cannot think through issues of national interest. Article is illuminating, although I guess the 90 days was of course just for purposes of campaign. Sorry YALI you have to grumble for next five years. PF is ruling period.
We agree with YALI’s concern and those objecting with insults are like the Biblical Pharisees shuting down blind Batimeus seeking to see Jesus. Yes, the promises made by Mr Sata and PF were not novel from immature and irresponsible people. These people now demand from Zambians to be respected and be hnourable in their own right and YALI is simply asking the basis on which they deserve that respect. Is it on promises now being fulfilled or departed from the path of attaining those promises? Vital prognosis into monitoring and evaluations of PF govt’s approach to achieving their invisible manifesto. The response to this right of knowing to be rebuted with insults of (typical Bemba amalumbo) is in effect dipicting a govt that Zambians have no right to question PF govt.
To fail to address the concerns raised by YALI will amount to youth abuse by polititians or deliberately choosing to let youths have no say in their government. Indeed their votes for PF party were on the premise of manifesto delivery, urgent cases of new constitution and more money in the pockets and not rewarding corrupt people with uncleared court cases being appointed to serve in their govt. YALI deserve to be heard.
Politics is a game of persuation. Remember obama promised tha american peolple heaven on earth but look at america today, peolple are sleeping in the streets and protests are everywhere.
Back home, its not possible for a constitutions to be amended in 90 days, remenber we already have one. What they will do is to amend some contecious clauses and not produce a new one. As for the windfall tax, they govrnmnet have done a feasibility study and discovered that its not viable in as far foreighn direct investment is concerned.Last but not the list the fight against corruption is alreay bearing fruits, imagine how many leaders can direct that their own son be investigated for corruption, at least this is the first time it has happend in Zambia.
Finally let us all learn from past mistakes.
Jobs in 60 days ? Come on you guys.Rome wasn`t built in a single day.
Given no room for timing which is usually altered by consensus what Men say may change with time! Let us be realistic with Democracy coupled with the art of being a Listening Government it does take time yes
But keep virgil and give precise advance at the right time. Zambia shall live longa!
Honesly YALi dont expect more money in yo pocket sited in yo room. Go out and work i.d.iot.
Yu dnt expect to hav a people driven constigution in 3months … In shot he meant that in 3months yu see that pf has started working. And for sure the commitee of experts are starting to work on it. We can see fighting corruption, the public media is doing well. We hav seen that the minining tax hv been revised and increased. Guys lets giv the pf chance to work, lets surport them unlike frustrate ther efforts puting in to bring good governance and change lives of our pipo. All yu shud realise is pf is nw in power wether yu lik it or nt.
Those are views of one person. And its too accademic to incite kaponyaz you have wrongfully inseted file pf picture. use slogans such as MORE MONEY IN YOUR POCKETS or DONCHI KUBEBA
we told you to vote wisley ..u voted for the worst..live with it ..mwapya..
Online articles have no audience. . Less than .0.5% have hand gadgets. Do something somethin less accademic ., less economical easy to follow and sustain. Yo article is too long.
YALI’s concerns are well vested. However, sometimes it’s wise to think through issues before taking to pen. Did YALI ever thought of an Indiana with GRZ over their concerns? Maybe GRZ had better reasons for the u-turns. It would be prudent and wise for quick and clever young people to exhaust all channels of data before rushing to the press. This is a known to work fail safe, as it protects young people from being caught lukewarm. Anyway let GRZ respond faithfully.
Mwine @ 14. It’s fashionable among known kitchen cookware to call the kettle black. Also remember, “he who wishes to run the world ought to start with a small garden”. It’s my prayer you do possess leadership qualities.
The same YALI characters used to condemn MMD thinking that they will have it easy under Sata, now they are reaping what they sowed. YALI was everywhere in the media condemning the MMD now that they are getting a raw deal from their freinds in govt thats y they are condemning this govt.
Things will ever be same guys just work hard. It doesnt matter who comes to office they are all thieves just sharing the national cake. You just continue talking but u will gain nothing
Why do Africans believe that government will give them jobs? Surely emplyment can only be created by economic activity. The best we can expect from government are policies that stimulate economic activity and prudent management of public resources. Another term under Rupiah would have reduced our country to the likes of Malawi, Zimbabwe and Congo. On the constitution, It is a bit childish to expect a constitution to be in place already. We must be grateful that it is being given a high priority. As for the windfall tax, I am afraid the opportunity was missed a long time ago by MMD. Now is not the time for it. The world economic outlook is not favourable.
The main reason why we booted out the MMD govt cos coz they never listened to the people; and looks like the PF have gone on the same road. Instead of listening to what sensible people are saying, you busy condemning them. PF Govt must learn to listen. Ask Rupiah and ask so many people. Am sure The Post cant publish such information statement coz they don’t want to offend Sata but truth be told the truth has been said by YALI and its Govt that must reflect or it ends up like MMD. Remember this is not 1991 when a party won with 80% and the other one went into extinction. Its Zambia in 2011. Government has lessons to learn
YALI, Big up guys! you the only remaining to speak for the masses. TIZ and Simon Kabanda have been compromised with jobs to draft the Constitution and this country will be doomed without people who are vigilante like you. PF cadres must be left to talk and talk, MMD did the same for so long but maybe the PF may not have the same lucky as MMD coz 5years is like a 5 days. Dont take people for granted. Let them listen to advice than demonise YALI. Sata must sober up and listen to criticism which MMD wasn’t ready to listen to or else he the PF may go faster than it came
I PUT A THUMB UP 4 MUSHOTA SHAME ON ME!!
Imwe ba YALI whatever you call yourslves,think from heads not stomach or kumatako.These u-turns are genuine.Pf is a govt.that listens to people.You will be the same people to call Sata a dictator if these u-tuurns were not done.
Elias Chipimo, a lawyer, was worried that the president promised a constitution in 90 days in parliament. He thought the time wastoo short to produce a quality document. So PF is just taking advice and not u-turning.
Appointing corrupt people is terrible yes, but how is that u-turning? If somebody gets 90% out of 100%, how is that failing even if they may have promised to score 100%?
On windfall, give PF credit… Mineral royalty is the better route as it does not depend on good copper sales.
You call yourselves YOUNG leaders, where is youth versatility and adaptability? You mean you do not see the good reasons behind PF’s so called u-turns?
Good YALI.
Only people who are not sensible will not see the real value of this statement. Most people who are condemning yali must remember what happened b4 MMD came into power and shortly. People were losing jobs in the name of privatization and they still said Chiluba was only correcting bad things of UNIP but it didnt take long b4 they got so disappointed when their unemployment status started eating them up, they begun to form political parties, ZADECO, ZRP, Nevers Mumba’s Party, UPND and PF. So its better to listen to this positive message than brush it aside. But some people will never listen coz of their cadre mentality. Our govt must just give us an explanations on these U-turns and apologise.
Those who don’t know what President Sata said to Parliament about the constitution must go back to the archives. The Man of Action seems to be moving by the winds and its not yali u shud vent your anger on but these politicians who dont want to be held accountable to their deeds. Lusaka Times, can you please get a reaction from the President and show him the statement. Let Given Lubinda address these issues. Govt seems to be distancing themselves from people who voted for him. I remember when i met this group in CB conducting campaigns for peace when most of these cadres who are condemning them were drinking tujilijili. Big up guys and dont be intimidated by these goons. Keep focused and let govt be kept in check
Its sad that people are critising YALI without being objective. I think the issues they have raised are serious. Take your PF blinkers off people and be objective. They made promises, they could at least have tired to keep them. Can anybody tell me what changes we have seen so far? PF promised a different Zambia in 90days. Five years will pass and they’ll still be giving you excuses.
hmmmmmmmmmmm
I AGREE WITH TEDDY MUSONDA THAT THE POST NEWSPAPER CANNOT PUBLISH SUCH A STATEMENT WHICH IS AGAINST SATA AND PF. THE POST HAS BEEN COMPROMISED AND HAVE MADE A PACT TO ONLY PUBLISH THINGS THAT WONT DENT THE IMAGE OF SATA. NOW SATA HAS DONT DON’T KUBEBA WITH MCHENGA AND THE POST IS QUIET. SATA HAS SILENCED SIMON KABANDA, REUBEN LIFUKA AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH BY GIVING THEM JOBS. YOU COULD SEE WAY SIMON KABANDA WAS LOOKING DURING THE SWEARING IN CEREMONY OF “EXPERTS” – SO HUMBLE. MONEY CAN DO WONDERS. BUT THIS ORGANISATION, WHICH HASNT EVEN GOT LINKS TO ANY POLITICAL PARTY SAYS SOMETHING, YOU CADRES RUSH AND HURL INSTULTS. STAY WHERE YOU ARE AND WATCH SATA GIVE JOBS TO CORRUPT PEOPLE LIKE MCHENGA. U WILL STILL BE USED TO SHOUT THE DONT KUBEBA SLOGAN. HE IS NOT TELLING YOU FOR SURE!
Lusaka Times, can you also get a comment from H.E Sata and Hon. Given Lubinda over this matter. We want to hear their outbursts, especially the President. This statement deserves attention and cannot be thrown away. There is no doubt that Transparency International Zambia and Citizens Forum have also become puppets who will never voice out, and the Post cant take such divergent views. Zambia needs a new breed for Civil Society and no doubt yali is coming in those lines. i read abt yali in the post as having organised some anti gender-based violence activities and no one condemned them. Now that they have issued this statement, these cadres from PF are barking like dogs and am sure will maim this organisation if they manage to lay a hand on them. Come back to your senses guys
:) Excellent statement and observations. You cadres who are talking too much, dont think you the only ones who voted for PF and Sata. Sober up and get to think about the future of this country. We need people like Ntewewe and yali who could stand up to what is right. yali, just play it cool with these cadres and show them light. We 100% behind this statement. – Kabonde, UK
The level of constitency by this young organisation is very admirable. Even under the MMD, they called a spade, a spade. never speared anyone including Rupiah and Sons, PLC. So why should they change stance on this Man of Action? Just because he is today’s President? I dont think so. I think those who are condemning yali must take time to listen to your criticism, read the statement over and over again. Surely, Zambia shall never be the same as in the UNIP or MMD era as long as we dont suppress this voice of young leaders. Lets all make a difference. This is our country and we must speak up rather than just be useless critics. YALI keep up the work.
easier said than done
Give PF time to clean the house b4 they settle