Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe has urged people not to shun the independence celebrations on grounds of high poverty levels.
Speaking in Livingstone yesterday at the Independence eve celebrations, Mr. Munkombwe said there is no country that has no poor people adding that shunning the celebrations was not good.
The Minister said such sentiments are echoed by people that live in fantasy adding that development is gradual and starts from somewhere.
“Other people are still dreaming and shunning Independence celebrations saying that they cannot celebrate independence in poverty. Which country does not have poor people? Even in the developed countries you can still find poor people,” he said.
Mr. Munkombwe said it is important to reconcile our differences for the sake of the peace Zambian people have enjoyed.
In Luapula , Luapula Permanent Secretary Jazzman Chikwakwa says politics should be used as a means to develop the country and not to instigate divisions.
Mr. Chikwakwa said this when he delivered a speech during celebrations to mark the 45th anniversary of independence held at Kaole stadium in Mansa today.
Mr Chikwakwa said politics sometimes tend to bring unnecessary divisions adding that Zambians should embrace the positive side of politics by using it as a means of developing the country and not dividing it.
The permanent secretary said this year’s theme “celebrating the 45th anniversary of independence with a spirit of reconciliation and good neighborliness” is appropriate because it urges the people in the country to unity and forge ahead despite challenges.
Mr. Chikwakwa pointed-out that the country has since independence been governed by four Presidents who are from four different provinces and tribes.
He noted that this is a symbol signifying that the country belongs to every Zambian and not a single tribe.
For this Mr Chikwakwa appealed to all peace loving Zambians to embrace reconciliation and good neighborliness and reject leaders who want to promote politics of tribalism.
He said the government of President Rupiah Banda is keen to ensure that the country comes up with a good constitution that will protect citizens’ rights.
Meanwhile, Mr Chikwakwa has warned civil servants of stern action for shunning independence and other government functions.
Mr Chikwakwa said he is disappointed that even officers who are directly under his administration stayed away from the independence celebrations.
He said if this practice repeats itself disciplinary action will be taken.
In Kabwe, Central Province Minister Ackimson Banda has said that the MMD government will continue to consult and dialogue in its governance.
Mr. Banda said this in Kabwe today when he officiated at the 45th independence anniversary celebrations adding that government encouraged the spirit of reconciliation and good neighbourliness.
He said it was in this spirit that government always stood ready to dialogue with people or groupings especially those who have different points of view on certain national matters.
Mr Banda said Zambia was in a hurry to develop politically, socially, culturally and religiously.
Mr. Banda also said government was fully determined to reduce poverty in the country and to create employment opportunities for the people.
He said government had taken a deliberate effort at improving the welfare of people through the introduction of various programs that are intended to improve sectors of the economy such as agriculture, mining and tourism.
He called on all Zambians to rise and maintain the peace that the country is enjoying.
ZANIS
ZANIS
I for one would shun these celebrations because poverty is a reality.. Real Zambians do not live in ‘fantansy ‘world.. face the truth.. Zambia has become a shameful and eyesore country. We hoped for the best and what have we got?????? the poor are more poorer and the rich are more richer… atase!!!!
This old man should start thinking ! He is the oldest bootlicker in African Political History !
Mr Munkombwe, you are the last to speak about poverty and independence. You are in there for your own benefit and you said so, yourself.
That’s the current President of Bootlickers and Political Praise-singers(BPP) for you!
this man and sialupwa are not any different. to muchh kusabaila..
hey he is right about about poverty the difference is that 10 percent of people in developed countries are poor while in zed 80 percent of the people HAVE BEEN FORCED TO REMAIN POOR BY THE LIKES OF MUNKOMBWE WHO PEDDLE THIS B——T.HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA IGNORANT BY WANTING YOU TO CELEBRATE HARD EARNED NUPIA WITH THE BROWN BOTTLE WHICH IS THE ONLY WAY TO CELEBRATE KNOWN TO ZEDIANS.WAKE UP ZAMBIA MOVE ALL THIS FAT CATS OUT OF OUR SYSTEM THEY ARE KEEPING US IN THE DARK
Its a pity that at 45 years of independence we still cant see the meaning and benefits of gaining such independence which our forefathers fought for. Zambia is still in leadership vaccum, everything seems to be moving on automatic operation, we have no voice on our own justice and freedom, the entire economy is in the hands of foreign investors and imperalists, mines sold, zamtel saga,half, zanaco gone, no meaningful salaries for zambian workers, poverty is sky rocketing coupled with corruption among leaders, compromised jurdicial system no rule of law to protect the masses etc. when will zambia gets its full independence? Lesa twafwani.
Munkombwe you are the oldest in southern province and yet all that comes out of your mouth is full of Rubbish.
chipuba mudala.
This Munkombwe fellow is still around? Can someone please tell me what this bootlicker’s value is to Zambia? It’s no wonder that after 45 years of independence, we are still in stagnation or moving backwards.
6-10 I presume you are the same person. I dont support MMD, but the reason for this celebration, is not about present political crisis, but the history and meaning of those that fault for our independence. Let the meaning and fight for freedom for those who were persecuted, victimised and killed be remembered. One Zambia One Nation, insults and violence insult the meaning of this celebration.
How can we be independent when we have leaders like munkombwe? It is people like munkombwe who have brought povert in Zambia.
shut up u old cow! who cares about you anyway?
Zambia has gone to the Dogs. Literally, to the galus. This ol’ fag was there 45 years ago, when his contribution would have made sense. can someone please tell him to keep quiet.
He is a shame trbesman,i hate him and his face altogether,he always praises any rubbish his boss spits. No wonder he is called to be the oldest African bootlicker(Gumboot).