By Rev K.Kaoma
When I questioned whether President Sata was practicing the politics of “animal farm” – where his cadres are above the law – PF adherents rancorously attacked me. My worries are confirmed – ACC can only investigate top PF officials with presidential consent. So much for “zero tolerance policy against corruption” – PF style! After I analyzed Nevers Mumba’s leadership in MMD and warned that his party was at the blink of extinction, his cadres did not see the light until now – at least if they can read the signs of the time. And when I wrote on UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and his failure to shed off his party’s image as a tribal party, his cadres called me all sorts of names. In the end, I have received praise from MMD, UPND and PF cadres – depending on which party I critique.I am encouraged by such responses since they enhance democracy in the nation. In fact, I wish all newspapers and writers took my stance – call a spade a spade. I am used to being criticized – having written for international audiences in both popular and academic media. But such reactions also expose grave misapprehension of democracy in our nation. [pullquote]Zambia is bigger than PF, MMD or UPND.[/pullquote]
Belonging to a party does not mean relinquishing our rights to question the judgment of our politicians. We have the duty to defend democracy, not only in the nation but in political parties as well. Politicians will use their powers to build their personal cults if left without accountability. So we should not give HH a pass when he and his followers utter tribal statements in the nation. Neither should we praise Nevers Mumba’s when his followers attack Major Richard Kachingwe. Moreover, we should not justify President Sata’s public humiliation of the ACC officials and the shielding of Kabimba. Regardless of our party affiliations, these actions are not just “unfortunate” as Madam Edith Nawakwi wants us to believe – but detrimental to good governance.Please let us build a culture of rule of law at all levels. There is no PF, MMD, or UPND Zambian – we have “One Zambia” and “One Nation!” We all carry one passport – Zambian, and Zambia is bigger than PF, MMD or UPND. Like UNIP, these parties may disappear before our own eyes, but Zambia will remain. It is from this perspective that I write my articles.
Across the globe, we are known for our love of country. Such pride is not matched by economic development, nonetheless. We remain among the least developed nations. The so called “The University of Zambia” remains a historic ruin – incomplete and with no books, halls of residences or adequate staffing. Our hospitals are only by name, while district and city councils are nothing but ruling party’s organizing “tuntemba” – social services are almost non-existent. Does this gloomy state of affairs warrant President Sata’s declarations – bringing development by one man’s decree? I beg to differ.[pullquote]“Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”[/pullquote]
Personally, I don’t believe that the president is all knowing or that all his declarations should automatically translate into policy. We are a democracy – rule of the people, by the people, for the people. People ought to have a say in matters that affect them. It seems we are slowly redefining democracy to be “rule of the president, by the president, for the president.”Ruling by presidential declarations is nothing new to Zambian politics. In our 48 years of independence, political rhetoric overshadows rational decision-making. Just after independence, President Kaunda declared that Zambians should form cooperatives. When this failed, he declared that Zambians should go back to the land. These programs were heavily funded but failed to achieve their intended results. Under Chiluba, the sale of houses and liquidations of companies are examples. Aside from making politicians rich, these programs failed as well. President Levy Mwanawasa declared the Nchito led “Task Force on Corruption.” We spent millions of dollars on this project but failed it failed. By the way, what happened to the Winter Maize project? President Rupiya Banda’s ideology of the solar geyser and mobile clinics programs followed this tradition. It is said, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”
[pullquote]Failure to do so, no matter how many declarations you will make, they will go with you once you leave office and your officials will be hurled into our now famous filthy prisons. Just ask those who worked with Banda and Chiluba – it is the reality of Zambian politics![/pullquote]
In my forthcoming book, Raised Hopes, Shattered Dreams, I advocate infrastructure development as essential to economic development. I also call for more investments in higher education and other social services. President Sata seems to be doing exactly this. However, in a democracy, he needs to do it with the people. The PF government has repeatedly told us that the civil service is highly corrupt and must be cleansed. Well, before addressing “rampart corruption,” the president has already started investing in expensive ventures – stadiums, link Zambia, universities, new provincial headquarters in Southern and Muchinga Provinces, new districts and of course Zambia National Service for high school leavers without telling us how much they will cost or how they will be funded.
Needless to say, these moves will aid PF victory in 2016. All these projects will create much needed jobs for PF cadres and chief among them is the District Commissioner. Such appointees will provide PF with an extra advantage in mobilizing voters in many areas. On the economic front, however, the creation of districts has budgetary implications. What is the cost of running one district? How many civil servants are expected to staff it? What infrastructures do we need? How about transportation and communication needs?Worse still, the President declared new universities at the time when current ones are on life machine – no books, adequate staffing and even basic university services. So why open new ones before upgrading old ones to international standards? I guess very few Zambians can answer these questions. Stephen A. Quick is right. Presidential declarations or ideological programs fail because they are “characterized by multiple, ambiguous and non-measurable goals; high expectations, political popularity, resource availability, politicized leadership of the implementation organization and immunity from public criticism.” For instance, under which ministry are these projects being managed? How is the money being accounted for and who manages these funds? These are important administrative and policy issues that deserve critical analysis by all concerned Zambians.
Here then is my word to PF; provide us with a comprehensive national development plan. Thereafter, give us an opportunity to adopt it as our national development plan. Once we own it, we will ensure that every government that comes to power will honor it. Failure to do so, no matter how many declarations you will make, they will go with you once you leave office and your officials will be hurled into our now famous filthy prisons. Just ask those who worked with Banda and Chiluba – it is the reality of Zambian politics!
There’s a difference between ruling and governing.What Sata’s inclination so far shows it that he has a penchant for issuing orders or decrees-which is “ruling”.Following laid down constitution and laws on the other hand is what is called governing.The civilised world follows the latter.
GOOD THINKING. KEEP IT UP!!
This is a well balanced critique. I love it, hope the political players can learn from this article. Congrats Rev. Kakoma.
Your advise to these politicians is like the seed that fall on bare ground.
I would advise you to research more on what makes politicians stiff-neck ed.
Thumbs up Rev. But I wonder if politicians ever listen at all. When they are campaigning, they seem to be lending you their ears but once they get into office they become totally deaf. They listen to no one except themselves.
Have we ever wondered why so many African governments commit the same mistake that the previous ones did. Do our politicians read papers and then think over what they have read?
A very good article indeed. I note in conclusion the idea of working together in diversity between and among peoples and parties. The major drawback is apart from the political gymnastics of the ruling party, the opposition never accept and give chance. They disagree on anything, literary anything sensible or not. For them,unless its them. Campaigns never end its daily aggression,
A very good article indeed. I note in conclusion the idea of working together in diversity between and among peoples and parties. The major drawback is apart from the political gymnastics of the ruling party, the opposition never accept and give chance. They disagree on anything, literary anything sensible or not. For them,unless its them. Campaigns never end its daily aggression, agitation, belittling others knowledge, kano ngaebo mentality. How can we work together? How do we work together if we don’t through others’ reasoning which may bebetter than ours? Our democracy is very fragile especially that it is backed by politics of hunger! Your article is good.
we ve no national plan for now..its all the same old story and creating districts which are useless..
those who have done project management will agree with our REV.KAOMA. people within our communities should be involved. the government should consult the people about the development they would like to see in there areas.
Good analysis of issues right there, Rev. I like Enka Rasha’s (#1) summing up of the current state of affairs. We have a scenario in our country where even the basics of life are subject to political hostage-taking. Just look at simple things like water provision at our biggest hospital and how it took an entire head of state to get things corrected… Therein lies the ruin… Thanks once again, Rev – look forward to your book when you launch it.
By the way, speaking of creation of Districts – Namibia next door has an interesting scenario. The status of a place is evaluated by its governance capacity which includes a number of factors. At any moment you could be declared a district, a village, a settlement depending on how well you are articulating civic responsibility. It tends to keep people on their toes… Would be nice to examine that system as opposed to making declarations…
One of the best articles I have read on political affairs in Zambia.
good artcle we need more pipo to write such artcles to educate our voters
This article also goes well with the TIZ report on ZWD
Lelo walembako ifyamano shimapepo.You are spot on.I cant agree more…keep em coming.
Naine nindabwa
great analysis.. sense..
let sata hold a press conference where he will table his plans for Zambia and let the people or representatives not the for sale MP’s be given a chance to ask questions. thats how Governance should work not just mumbling and rambling at never ending swearing in ceremonies and district pronouncements.
@Zebige same here.Atleast he is not talking about Clive Chirwa not being Zambian or mealie meal in Kitwe.
the best is to fight for a constitution NOW! when this is done, the presidential powers will be clipped and then, only then will these declarations come to an end. with the current constitution, our president has too much power(s) such that he is power drunk right now. otherwise good article rev.
@17 i agree totally wit u a new pipo driven constitution is what we need. but that wil not happen under pf.sata is detamined to take the draft to parliament once he is sure of he has numbers- after completion bribing useless mmd mps.
Good article but I have a Q, can the Rev point out where HH ever promoted tribalism, just like he has pointed out the facts on the other leaders… maybe the Rev needs to do a little more research other than make wild allegations
Responding to Corn Bensons…. It was aired live on sky radio when HH and his surbordinate begged for all Tonga to vote for their own..Which planet are you coming from? It is you who needs to research and not Rev John Kapya Kaoma.
Poor Revrend you have missed the point. Your so called constitution gives any sitting president absolute power. All of them for KK to MCS have used these powers to the maximum. Keep your ideas in your pocket until the time we come up with a people driven document. #17 is spot on.
I pointed out this in my previous article here @LT: Raised Hopes, Shattered Dreams. Thanks for y observations neverless.
Mr Sata is a self-proclaimed king who has Zambia in his palms and rules by decree. If Zambians are not careful this man will be the worst dictator ever seen, even worse than KK and UNIP. Ever wondered why he and KK are almost inseparable and how they sing praises for each other?
I usually doh like clergy men buh I have to admit dis one is toking sense and dats a very gud analysis of things if only da politicians can listen to such
For those who have time… I spent a little time on the author’s site a few months ago and watching his various interviews online. The extracts of his works give a clear picture how he thinks, feels and uses his gifts and educational experience to address and challenge issues of the day. He has a solid understanding of placement from cultural, traditional and historical through to future possibilities which makes him like some of the great minds that gather up here. Hope some of you will put pen to paper one day. It is needed. Just a thought.
Thanks for your compliment. Indeed, it is time we used our pens and paper more. Zambia needs more voices.
Rev.the problem we have no Zambia is lack of focus and use of mob pyschology because these days development is from bottom then moves upward as the communities identify their own problems and come up with the solutions and the state facilitates the implementation but what we are seeing today is top bottom approach which ended in 15th centuary.
who said a staduim is the priority in Western Province and all those districts.
Mr.Sata kindly seek advice.
A silent mouth is a symbol of wisdom
When SATA heard that the country had accumulated up to nearly US$3 bn in reserve what was going through his heard when he became head of state is any body’s guess. Evidenced by the quick creation of districts and a province. The announcement of the construction of Universities across the country and some by announcement on press conferences should give a glimpse of the kind of man we have as head of state. The PF Govt. is not cautious in spending public funds on things that may not actually create jobs nor wealthy for the nation. The moth (Corruption) that Sata promised he would fight vigorous once in power is still conspicuously flying under his nose more that one year in power.
Good piece…As you write your book I suggest you try and find Robert LeFevre book “The Nature of Man and His Government” it was published in 1959. I think of it as part two of Bastiat’s The Law. It’s that good. A brilliant writer who lived from 1911-1986. He had huge influence in his day, long before these views became mainstream among the smart set. He saw everything government does through this lens of divide and conquer. He explained that war and empire are every bit as dangerous to human flourishing as transfer payments, regulations, and loose money policies. He explains the true nature of government as few others have.
Thanks, I will consider it.
We agree with Rev Kaoma on his opinion about our country’s governance and those in leadership. Zambia is old enough to distinguish between decrees and democracy as it has experienced both since its independence. The unfortunate phase Zambian governance is going through now is something she resolved in the 1990s to embrace democratic governance of good governance with rule of law, accountability and transparency. This, Zambians resolved to give up dictatorial regime of decrees by one man as was the case before 1990s. Under the decree regime KK (who by all means was innocent) the system made the public believe he was irreplaceble.This was mainly crafted by individuals like Sata who was worshiping our founding father KK. Today Sata wears those shoes of dictatorial regime, hence his decrees.
Its my wish to av articles of this nature in sum PRIVATE owned newspapers not singing praises for the PF gvt everyde! Balanced article indeed!
Great article :)
l don’t agree with u rev. It was not only the decrees that made those wonderful policies of unip u have mentioned fail. Zambians are bad at implementing developmental projects.Total democracy can’t work here in this age. zambians nid 2 be budollzed.
Zambians have very good policies that just gather dust in some shelves. You have talked 4 almost 50years but little or NO actions.Let the President declare and begin to plan for them and raise the funds.I DON’T SEE POLITICAL MIREAGE HERE.
Can’t reading pf manifesto be a good thing for anyone who wants to understand what pf is doing? Have they failed to manage them to warrent the stopage of constructing others. ln Zambia money is there but buponpwe no bu nag’ani.
Democracy +works=prosperity, Communism +works=prosperity ,Democracy -WORKS =POYVERTY.Commonism -works=poverty. Zambia has a long way to go and the earlier u so this the better.
IT IS UNPATRIOTIC AND ECONOMIC SUBOTAGE OF CHILUBA’S MAGITUDE TO COME AND ABANDON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DE DISTRICTS ON ACOUNT OF SATA HAVING DECLARED THEM .SATA HAS STARTED DE BOLL ROLLING JUST COME AND BUILD ON DAT.AT LONG LAST DE BEST WIL COME.
Enough of this Rev K.Kaoma; give others a chance, don’t you have church service on Sunday!
I have a church and preach every Sunday. I am a researcher with Boston University and think-tank and a father and husband. I am currently working on two book projects and also contribute to various journals and magazines. So I am busy but my love for Zambia keep me writing. I would love to see many Zambians write and if you have some minutes, please write. I am sure LT will post your thoughts. We need many hands to build Zambia. Thanks for reading nevertheless.
My bro, just ignore this guy. He thinks being lazy will develop Zambia. He is just jealous of your hard working.
I must agree with most here and commend the author for this article; it gives me hope that there are minds such as yours. Please continue Rev. Koama. Most readers that have responded and commented here too, it’s great to know there are great minds such as yours. You are Zambia’s hope.
Thanks.
Rev,i must be blunt with you .One instance ,when the unza was about to be crossed recently for renovation some zambians had a field day.Critisizing from roof tops. Luk at the work dat has been done .After zone vi games it wil b 0 joy 2 de students.
Objectively 1 could avu luked at both sides of a coin. 1 side de rev. u have not luked at enough -how some projects might have failed.Dere are factors ader dan the decrees u have dwelt so much on.If a project is viable y cn’t pipo embrace it?
Rev. kaoma,l would like to meet u so that we have a mature talk. I am not a pf member or symphathizer but just a non alaigned patriotic Zambian.The writing pad i have can’t allow me to say (mobile phone)much. My cell # is +260969754201.Thank u.
Good article Rev. In 2021 when i become presido in will decree that each province in Zambia should have same number of districts ie 4
. The major problem i have noted in all our past presidos is that they behave as if they own Zambia and will be presidos forever.
Nice article bro. Keep on being objective in your analysis. Always avoid taking sides but project your thoughts and analysis as it befits a wise man. All the best.
Peace and Prosperity to Mother Zambia.
A wonderfully constructed and articulate article. Keep up the good work.
i think zambians do have a wrong concept of politics and this is not because they have not done enough research but its because they are selfish. sata makes policies without adquate consultation and if at all he consults its from the wrong people. zambian presidents are power hungry and this is not good for the nations development. looking at sata’s creation of new districts it is a good move but wrong timing i asy so because zambia is faced with so much problems that need to be dealt with. the creation of districts is detrimental to the tax payers because tax was increased so as to generate money for the untimely project. he should have first revamped the dead industries like the textile industry in kapiri, and also kapiri glass. this was going to creat more employment opportunities.
Many thinks mr. Sata is a bad man, the question i have though is that in what? yes mr Kabimba seems to have become big headed but every one who has known Mr. Sata knows that this man Kabimba is digging his on ditch now Mr Sata is a realist, understanding but a no nosence man as well. As for the developments friends Rome was not built in one day so just hold on because many are good projects that have been off loaded and all of us we will be wetnesses
I have just read the article today Rev and I could not agree with you more. I do not know whether people become fatigued after the campaigns and surrender their thinking faculties to the supreme leaders of their parties or leaders just become impervious to advices. Nga balaba shani ukuti umunwe umo tausalanda inda (one finger can not pick a lice)? I agree with others that Zambia can only be developed by all of us taking a stand and take governance issues seriously.