Former Republican President, Rupiah Banda, has called for the expansion of African economies if people are to reap the full benefits of democracy.
In a statement issued to ZANIS by Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Fourth President, Mikatazo Wakumelo, Mr Banda said on a continent that continues to suffer from some of the highest rates of inequality, hunger, and poverty, democracy should be viewed as a mechanism of human dignity in which every citizen is included and incorporated into their various nation.
The former head of state explained that there is need to focus on delivering a vast expansion of African economies that can include more jobs while at the same time protecting the most vulnerable.
He said this in a public lecture delivered at the University of Dar-es-Salaam last evening.
Mr Banda urged the current crop of African leaders to pursue pragmatic solutions to people’s problems as opposed to playing word games which tend to make politics seem insufficient and counterproductive.
He advised that there is no need for political parties to contest elections if they were unable to build capacity for problem solving.
He told his audience, which included lecturers from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, that people want solutions, services and accountability, and have no use for ideology.
The lecture was part of the Boston University African Centre where Mr Banda is the current president-in-residence.
ZANIS
Ooh, OK taumfwa. You are actually right with your theory when it comes to equity and other stuff RB. When it comes to doing it RB you became clever and promoted corruption and enriching your children. But what you are saying is what should happen. Perhaps you are wiser now mambala.
Where were you when you were the president of Zambia and failed to preach this message the time you were president of Zambia? Did you even visit University of Zambia to preach this message during your term as president? of course not. RB dont play muzungu anikonde just because you are a current president in- resident at Boston University. your highest level of corruption in your administration failed us, hence we kicked you out of the office. You betrayed late president Mwanawasa who brought back in politics period.
I agree with you 100%
i don’t even why they allow them to speak on these issues.
hypocrite!
I believe RB has gaind enough experience to qualify to say what he is saying. He may have made mistakes and may have not done some of the things he is preaching about. In my opinion, he is providing valuable lessons to sitting presidents which can help them uphold the tenets of democracy as well as coming up with workable poverty alleviation programmes.
Thats my president.He knows to speak issues and the importance of economic growth which he delivered during his term unlike the current shark who only knows cheap politics & insults.
Am sure those Americans laugh when they see this, i mean how long can some africans keep up being stupid? or is it money? really money can make pipo blind, i get it this is all about money, travelling free and all the luxuries that come with, and oh by the way? Pride, oh yes Pride, like “look you kicked me out as president, but look what am doing now”! this is what it`s all about Mr Banda, nothing less nothing more! otherwise, you cold have fed your own children at home, Charity begins at home! in your case Mr Banda, it started abroad, what a shame!
But what legacy did you leave in zambia ? is it not just corruption selling companies to rip some profits for your pocket, what a shame mudala
Actually abena Mark Storella, US ambassador to Zambia is very clever. They realised that to wipe this man’s tears for the embarassing loss, they had to make Boston University accommodate him. Just a way of cooling the man down! Otherwise he could be weeping up to now. Ba Sata told ba RB ati SELA TUBOMBEKO.
God is the only impartial judge. Alot of bad things have been said about RB and continue being preached by one media house just because he did not dance to their tune. And many have been brainwashed to believe that he was bad but we will all be answerable to God. God bless Zambia.
RUPIAH SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO TALK ABOUT GOOD GOVERNANCE, THE MONEY HE STORE WITH HIS MINISTERS ARE TOOL HUGE
ONE DAY HE SHALL PAY BACK, DAYS OF A THIEF ARE MANY BUT FOR THE OWNER IS ONE
Rupiah Banda was an honourable,honest and hard working president and zambia was lucky to have had his services.Those of you attacking him are only bitter bcoz RB is a proud easterner.Why haven’t you ever taken him to court if he was corrupt you half ass dimwits?
I am not sure if his tribe came into question here…People are apparently judging him by his record while if office; it pretty much spells what sort of man he is.Â
I sat in an audience here In the USA where RB was speaking. Me disappointed with his speech about democracy in Africa. I sat there thinking, this guys is lying right in front of us Africans. What a …..The Americans were listening, and I could not imagine how people manipulate words when they have a podium. There were three of four questions asked and no more questions where taken. And the resident dean at by for African studies, I question his credibility. I think he just wants to run that program and get his check.Â
rb is okey, it good that he is sharing his weaknesses and strength so that people can learn from there just like solomon in the bible