By Florence Chalabesa
Coming home to visit gives my mind a lot to think about. Things that happen in our lovely nation could be reasons as to why we are still underdeveloped. This has been my observation, and please, ‘NO DISRESPECT TO ANY ONE’.
Zambia was colonised by Britain, I am sure we also adopted the rule of law from the English courts and also the constitution. Down the line as Zambians we should be aware of the Bill of rights, an Act which states the human rights. I will be surprised if these documents do not exist. If the nation as a whole recognises and respects the above documents, development will be in progress.
The problem starts at the top, when one is a leader, they know it all. The person has all the powers, they can do anything (supreme power). This person will be in every news bulletin, every paper and in almost every conversation. We give our leaders so much power that they gain access to almost everything, including the government account. No wonder people want to stay in power forever. Once voted out of power, we then want to remove their immunity, which mostly is too late. I have not lived in every country on the continent but I have seen just enough. Leaders are there to guide us, they are paid for the great job they do by the people and so they are required to be there for the people. In developed nations leaders use their own money for social outings with their families. Ministers and government officials use ministerial credit cards that are monitored and any misuse of funds will lead to job losses right there, not to wait until their party is voted out of power. Do the Zambian leaders ever use their salaries for anything? It would be interesting to know how the system works.
There is another issue I would like to comment on, I have lived in developed nations where the spouses, children and close families to the leaders are not even on the agenda. They are just citizens like anyone else. I will give an example, if I am married to a managing director of a well known company, am I allowed going out and making comments about that company? Do I expect the company to pay for all my expenses, with convoys wherever I go? Or am I going to be followed by cameras and news people? This does not happen in developed countries unless one is on an official engagement. In our nation, because of all the powers we shower on them, they become above the law during the time their husband or father is president and once out of power, we now accuse them of abuse of office. Do you know how much tax payer’s money is used in order to maintain this respect that the nation is expected to grant to the royals? Wouldn’t it be great if the same money was used on the less privileged? Check the human rights under the Bill of rights Act.
It is also wrong for the ruling party to use money from the government account for campaign purposes. This money does not belong to anyone, it’s the nation’s money and it should be used to develop the nation. While on the same issue, it’s saddening to see our youths being used for campaigning. The youths are the leaders of tomorrow. There is a better way of using them to win their support. Promise them a future that will enable them to become productive citizens, access to tertiary institutions, jobs and good healthcare and stick to your promise. Do not teach them violence by inciting them to hate, do not make them drink alcohol as a way of buying a vote from them. I read the paper and what I see is ‘cadres from named parties clash at funerals’ what is this? It’s taking advantage of the fact that they are in need of money and it’s the only way they can get it. I cry for the Zambian youths and I hope someone will turn around and do the right thing for them. I would like to know if the children to the aspiring leaders also get involved in these campaigns.
I know most Zambians are not aware of the human rights and this has been taken for granted by fellow Zambians. To be aware of what one is entitled to is a very important aspect in a nation. How about introducing this topic in schools so that every citizen will be familiar with their rights. This will be useful in the fight against corruption, because ignorance plays a part in the circle of corruption. If one does not know about their entitlement they will pay someone to get it.
People aspiring to be leaders and those already in leadership should realise that every citizen looks up to them. Take time to think about that person dying in their home because they cannot access medical services. That child who cannot go to school because the parents are unable to pay school fees. The child who goes through garbage, in hope of finding something to fill his tummy with. I look around and see how blessed we are, a lot of land for development, minerals, plenty of water, a lot of man power etc. If only resources could be shared evenly, Zambia will be on the road to development.
The Public want TRUTH -Nothing but the TRUTH. If Sakala is retired due to age-69, why is Lombe chibesakunda -68yrs &F. Mumba-64 appointed, isn’t the official retirement age 55? Now,these two women, are they not part of the same rotten supreme court bench that made these “STUPID JUDGEMENTS BY STUPID JUDGES”. THEREFORE, THE LAZ PROPOSED TRIBUNAL MUST BE IN PUBLIC HEARINGS NOT CAMERA…..WHAT ARE THESE LAWYERS HIDING.THAT’S PUBLIC MONEY,SO THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO KNOW and make their own judgement. LAZ is a disgrace ,and how can a lawyer (LAZ) discipline his fellow lawyer (can’t be both player&referee-look at Kelvin bwalya’s case and Nicholas chanda and the M. Nchito forgery of Judge Gregory phiri’s Judgement to mention a few) ,LAZ must be headed by neutral men&women of integrityÂ
I agree with u, In fact zimbabwe is for zimbabweans ,why should a tenant who fails to pay his/her dues turn around to start claiming ownership of your house, what crap is that!! Are africans still damn in colonialism? Nah, in fact Robert and all african leaders must rethink on the meaning of true independence- Leaders must CHANGE THE EDUCATION SYSTEM to aim at being own African inventors, manufacturers and producers of our own products from guns,ammunition, food both processed &unprocessed, clothing, water, etc to be truly independent than depending on the imperialist..Leaders must send their best brain citizens to study and research in the west’s laboratories in masses with the aim of TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFER to mother countries universities ,research institutes and implement the theorie
I don’t think we know our rights.Really we need to educate our masses.Its not right that whoever is in State House become like a little god.No wonder people impersonate the First family because I’m sure you can get anything if you are related to the President no questions asked.Its a human right violation that our medical care system is in shambles.Its a human right violation that tax payers monies are used to bribe people during campaigns.The president has too much power,this should come to an end or we will never move forward as a country.the police should not hound people once they leave office but should do so whenever the law is broken
childish!
Makashecimpampa what is childish or you have just failed to grasp the article.
no my friend except that the writer brings issues just on visits and such has been topics for quite a long time.
we dont need theories day in day out !
how about practicals?
sick and tired of economic refuges being experts on everything.
Ba LT is this the best you can give your readership on a Sunday? First some Bull crap from an author called David Banda, and now this?
What’s going on?
No wonder your name – your dont make a lot of sense.
True, it is really sad to see how people who become leaders /Politicians end up being so bad despite their education / lived in diaspora. Power they gain is source of all evil. Ministers do not think outside the box and develop the sense of Dependence on Foreign AID which they abuse. LET ZAMBIANS REALISE AND WAKEUP. We cannot continue like this. As young Zambians we should put an end to this. IT IS REALLY A SHAME that Black leadership is associated to bad governance and Corruption.
Crap
nice peace.keep it up.
There is truth in the article if only readers can understand English well
Looking at the picture in this article,we will have another by-election in livingstone.How can K13million be given on a compaign rally when we have the council who are in charge of markets.FIGHTING CORRUPTION?????????????????.You have agroup people you can fool not all of us.Malabishi of perpetual failures
the PF is the worst govt ever..we shall live to regret as Zambians..watch the space..
well said and so true.It is very difficult to help someone who does not realise that they are suffering. like the saying goes ” the more victimisation is upon their backs the more foolish they become”
The author has given her perspective regarding the powers of our leaders and the issue of human rights. It is imperative to articulate some of these issues, however a great number of our citizens find it difficult to assimilate and also to implement viable policies. But it can be superficial if the formulation of policies is not consistent. Zambia is already on the road of development however we expect this route to be rough and rigid taking in consideration of numerous factors. Let us give constructive feedback and work with the government. Yes we need to provide checks and balances. On the other hand, the government should be ready to listen and act accordingly. Arrogance and egotism will just retard the national development initiatives. This could frustrate citizens.
Very wise you are, if only a lot of our country folk would have your level of reasoningÂ
Good comment.
It’s comments like this that make the silver lining in the generally negative attitude that seem a tradition among us Zambians living abroad.Â
Wise words and well balanced.
The passage is so boring to follow. Ba LT you are running out of news.
IT IS YOU WHO HAVE RUN OUT OF REASONING
The love of money is killing every one, lawywers have become corrupt people, all you have to do is to give them money and you shall walk out of court freely. Corrupt people and their relatives abroad protecting them above. Swallow your pride guys and accept the truth.
Poor article. Think outside the box entrepreneurship, wealth creation, investment in infrastructure (lower costs of education and health care) rather than cosumptive subsidies is what will get us out of under development. Tinkering with political systems can only yield so much. And certainly not enough to employ every employable adult, send every kid to school, put medicines in hospital and food on peoples’ tables.
We are better off learning from the Asian tigers pragmatic strategies of reverse engineering, migrating of peasant populations into migrant factory workers to mass produce goods from copied technology. Even western firms have relocated manufaturing to Asia to tap into the the migrant labour force and run away from high production costs at home and remain competitive. Mimicing our colonial masters political systems of bill of right etc wont get us out of underdevelopment. They are where they are after explointing Africa and other colonies. We have to exploit what we have.
Florence Chalabesa, everything you have written makes sense to me and any fairminded Zambian, but I am afraid it is nothing new. What I expect from you is what you are going to do about it like that Luandese lady on ‘CNN African Voices’ programe who is helping women in Luanda. Talk, talk,talk cannot help poor Zambians. Be practical with your information. Human rights are talked about everyday by NGOs in Zambia at least they are confronting government, what are you going to do about it?
The impact when you arrive from Abroad is terrible. People look thin and starving especially if you are driving out of Lusaka. But we have ourselves to blame for failing to make a good fortune of this country’s abundant land and skies. Zambia shall not develop by complaining. It takes you and I to do our part and work hard for our families. Those who have been abroad must bring their ideas, and not just import goods into the country. Bring new ideas of how to make better shoes, clothes, etc
As much as we must do something, its imperative that the gvt is also reminded of its duty.Any gvt is supposed to be answerable to the people but in zambia its the people that are answerable to the gvt, thats why they arrest you, beat you up or take you to court each time you try to ask for what is due to you.Wake up.
Intimidation is too common in African GVt hence the questionable respect for human rights as the article explains
Florence Chalabesa my sister do not be discouraged by comments being made. The strength of any democracy is first and foremost freedom of speech, citizens who are able to voice their concerns in public.
As a nation approaches 50 years, the Zambian people are still kneeling down in worship of those people we have employed in government jobs i.e politicians. I thought it is suppose to be the other way around and hence the non accountability attitude.
You are being blamed for not being practical, first the person talking do not even know you. Keep standing up my sister we are coming of age this type governance which has siphoned resources from Zambia has to come to an end. It does not matter the political party, power has to move to the Zambian people for a change.
you’re terrible my friend!
you’re the only one new
that’s why somebody called it CHILDISH.
look ! we’ve been in the path before,so nothing new!
I personaly been out there and its a case of an ETHOPIAN BEING AN ETHOPIAN !
LEOPARD WITH ITS SPOTS!
you and yourself are not bringing anything new!
damn ijiots!
CRAP!
Ba Muna, you could be right- but difference in opinion does not justify in name calling.
you fools in the diaspora are not investing back home and you espect the country to develop…that is why great grand fathers are leading
I think this article is very really, it talks about real issues.Why have cadres? why are these cadres mostly involved in violence? Look at people who can be classified as cadres e.g in the United States: they(youths & others) go knocking on doors encouraging people to vote in a nice polite way as well as making phone calls taking to neighbours and friends.To avoid the behaviour in Zambia jobs have to be created and people would only give their time to cadreship when they have free time & will not be involved in violence as they would detest it.If these young people had jobs they would not be involved in these violent activities perpetuated by various political parties. They would instead rather be working somewhere and would not have the time to waste to be found indulging in these things.
The japanese sent technology spies into the USA in the 50s & 60s. When those Japanese returned to their country, they led the country in leapfrogging to become the world’s 2ND largest economy through the 70s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s until China took up the slot. China is a repressive country and the bill of rights is very low on their priorities nieither do they look for savings from govt official expenditure for prosperity. Not that I support reckless spending by govt officials. Freedom of speech & the bill of rights in china will come after economic prosperirity. In Afrca, Zambia SA etc we want rignhts and entitlement before prosperity. I am afraid we shall only be entitled to poverty if we continue with this mindset. Putting the cart before the horse.
For those Zambians in the Diaspora think what technology or business models you can copy from the Diaspora/ the West/ Asia and relpicate in Zambia to create wealth, employment etc. Even in the West there are stupid nations like socialist Greece that focussed on entiltement rather than wealth creation. Today they are not just going down the drain alone but threatening the viability of the EU & as if that is not enough they EU/GREECE DEBT CRISIS IS THREATENING THE ECONOMY OF THE ENTIRE WORLD
@12
Good comment.
It’s comments like your that make the silver lining in the generally negative attitude that seem a tradition among us Zambians living abroad.Â
Good statement.. I am behind you. too much greediness among our intrusted politician costed our country development. Less workers.. more marketer who don’t pay tax Only makert levy. Kanyama photos above shows part of poor development.. where is the drainage system for water??? Poor infrustracture = empty head.. Before rain season there is enough time.
“To be aware of what one is entitled to is a very important aspect in a nation. How about introducing this topic in schools so that every citizen will be familiar with their rights. This will be useful in the fight against corruption, because ignorance plays a part in the circle of corruption.”Â
Absolutely. However, in this country to get anything done, one has to be in the cadreismic ruling party of that time. So, perhaps lets get into the ruling party and find someone to help us implement this, especially Dr Phiri would love this kind of idea. Mass education of our children, i.e. indoctrination the right way.
A very poorly articulated article.Learn how to embellish your articles my sister.Anyway you still have hit the nail on the top.I will give you a one thumb up.Good luck
And where is the link to Part 1 mwe fipuba mwe! Koma pa Zambia eeee!!!??? Put a link at the end of the article or somewhere convenient so that those of us who have no clue of this rubbish can try to retrace it from where it started!!!!
So what is it about this article that some people have failed to grasp? All the people calling for disporians to do this and that, what’s the point if people don’t know their rights? Zambian people have to know their rights first, thats the only way things will work, introduce this in schools let the children learn about it in social studies and civics. If the citizens have a fair understanding of the bill of rights then they will be able to make sound decisions in their day to day lives.
@ 30 I dont understand why you are sitting thousands of miles away and wanting this and that that right. When most Zambian youths want are jobs. These much needed jobs will certainaily wont be delivered by a bill of rights. A bill of rights is a piece of paper. To implement what is on that piece of paper , one needs a a healthy functioning economy. I want to grasp how the the bill of rights advocates will deliver a vibrant economy ( surely not by shouting out aloud) that will give real jobs to all.
Lets learn to amicably agree to disagree without throwing gabbage at one another. After all, we all want what’s best for Zambia, be it us zambians in diaspora or zambians at home. There is a very good advantage of us living like this if only we can work together. Experience of trying to invest back home has shown that the first thing our partners back home do with the investment money, is first try to sort out whatever problems they had with the same investment money, and then later explain to you how things did not work according to plan. Meanwhile, you would have lost probably money from a loan that you will be forced to pay for years to come. This is a cache 23 problem and hopefully with time, our colleagues back home will start appreciating the need to safeguard such investments.
The author wrote, “…Â Zambia was colonised by Britain, I am sure we also adopted the rule of law from the English courts and also the constitution.”
Sorry but Britain has no constitution, no written one like the United States of America and other nations. So, your reference to the British Constitution is not right, the Brits have no constitution, period.
Ba Florence, the Brits have developed their legal system over the years through Canon Law, Customary Law, Civil Law and Criminal Law among others, please research these things before publishing them. Just thought that might help there.
ba guy, do not twist the story. are you one of those abusing the rights of humans?
its all mafi, masipa, matubi etc., 3rd world no progress, full of thieving leaders, liars.
THIS IS ONE ARTICLE THAT PRESIDENT SAT MUST READ.
i like it..
BA writer and what are you doing to change Zambia for the better. Please do tell us for my part i will be going back to start a number of business in Zed. I already have one that is running excellent.
We??re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable info to work on. You have done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.
Hi there, this is a very good blog post. And I really liked this blog post. I learned a lot. It was inspiring. Await your new blog post, that I will keep eyes on.