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Motorbike or Clinic—What Would You Choose?

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By Wesley Ngwenya
On Monday January 5th, 2009 I had an unbelievable encounter. Words run out in an effort to describe this incident and my heart bleeds just at the thought of it. As a job seeker, I am always open-minded to different kinds of suggestions from all kinds of good hearted and well meaning friends. As a result, I take every opportunity to network and introduce myself to influential individuals in our society.

On this particular day, I was referred, by a mutual friend, to go and see one of the cabinet ministers in our government. After a considerable time of waiting, I was ushered into the office of the Minister together with a pastor and a councilor from the Minister’s constituency. Unfortunately, we all had to share the minutes of our meeting, with the Minister, in the presence of the others. The pastor was the first one to share. He asked the minister to write him a letter so he can obtain some kind of favor somewhere. The Minister did not waste time. Instead of writing the letter, he quickly placed a phone call and the pastor was off within minutes to follow-up with his case.

The Minister then asked, “Who wants to go next?” I offered the councilor to go next since I didn’t really want an extra audience in my business, besides I was curious what kind of business brought the other man into the office. The councilor then went about sharing the problems he was facing in the constituency. He mentioned that he was having pressure from the community to find money to roof the school that had caught fire. The Minister then said, “Well those people deserve it. They did not vote for me in 2006 and did not vote for the President in the presidential elections after all. They voted for the opposition. You know councilor this is God’s judgment. My priorities are to serve the people that voted for me.” After hearing all this I was motionless. I didn’t know whether to walk out quietly or interrupt the conversation and register my disappointment. I was actually angry. The conversation with the councilor was getting even more interesting but heartbreaking.

The councilor then mentioned that he and his chairman were waiting for the motorbikes promised during the campaigns. The Minister acknowledged the delay and apologized. He then stated that he had received some funding but was torn between buying the motorbikes and building the maternity ward for the local clinic which was experiencing a lot of problems. He then asked for the councilor’s opinion. Without hesitation, the councilor said they needed the motorbikes because it was difficult to do the political party work since the villages were spread apart. I couldn’t believe what my ears were hearing.

The Minister pressed a button on the phone on his table asked the secretary to call the ambassador in Japan. Within a minute the secretary called back. The Minister picked up the phone asking if that was the ambassador but it wasn’t. He asked the person on the line how much new motorbikes cost. The person seemed to have been saying that he didn’t know but will find out and let the Minister know. The Minister then turned to the councilor and promised him that he will get the motorbikes as soon as possible and deliver them to the constituency. At that moment, the councilor left the office.

My mind was busy digesting what I had just heard when I was interrupted by the Minister who asked me how I could be helped. I introduced myself and mentioned that I was referred by our mutual friend Mr. John. Then I briefly gave him the oral version of my resume as he listened quietly. I particularly mentioned that I was interested in him introducing me to businesspeople and executives in the private sector. I reached for my bag, took out a hard copy of my resume and handed it to him. He glanced over it and said that he will see what he can do. I stood up, thanked him and headed out.

As I walked out, I kept cursing myself for not standing up for what I believed in. But then how could I tell off the Minister in his own office? Could they arrest me if I did? Will it make a difference? Will I be blacklisted in every company in Zambia as never to be offered a job? Maybe I was over-reacting it’s not such a big deal? Maybe I was overstretching the powers of a Minister? But again, here I was seeking a favor from the very people I speak against. What should I have done? I keep asking.

editor
editorhttp://www.lusakatimes.com

101 COMMENTS

  10. Ba LT bring ilyashi lya-buchende not utuma stories twabakadoli. Tulefwaya tusabaileko ama blogers basekeko. :d/:x:)>-:)>-

  13. Iwe, is this a real story or its the power of mind at work imgining things? Before I comment I would want to hear if its a true story or someone’s imaginations.

  17. Sony Eric,How are you my friend? Missed you!

    So this is what goes on ? We put people in those offices to represent us, the masses and not themselves. This trend should stop! how? no one knows!

  22. How can we develop our Nation when we have such kinds of Leaders whoes desires are so very selfish, when are we going to defend the helpless kanshi? it is a pite that we have allowed this kind of misplacements of commettiments in public offices, including the highest office of the Land. How can the President go the Bembaland, leaving Copperbelt where there are problems. God helps us.

  23. To say the truth,the British type of govt has failed Zambia.Why? These ministers in govt are busy protecting their seats at the expense of national development and sometimes they even take it so personal and punish those who did not vote for them and yet they claim to be democrats.Sheer hypocrisy!!. We need academicians,established business executives and other intellectuals to manage our country(outside parliament)and reduce politicians to mere lawmakers.In this way,there wont be any conflict of interest unlike the way it is right now. Sad story for it has been happening for years.I know for sure Ngwenya is not lying.

  27. For heavens sake even if you cant effort to build a clinic you can atleast protect new born babies from being eaten by RATS..gvt what measures are putting in place besides the more comfort desired- Motorbikes???

  29. Baby C, Sony Ericsson Phiri, Nine Chale you guys have made Matworld start queing up for nambala 25.

    Kiliniki guys. Sad but true that these things happen in my country of birth! :d:d

  30. Wesley.

    Iyi story nga tekashimi,then LT allow me to express my sadness.I will start with you ba Pastor.

    Pastor.
    That is abusing the authority given to the minister to me that’s proper corruption.You are not worthy to be called a man of God.

    Councillor.

    Iam very much dissapointed with you,how dare you make such a useless choice.what will happen to our mothers now? Useless,selfish and Heartless councillor.

    Ba Minister
    LT has told us to respect you,but am very much disappoited with you.How do you talk like that? Iam some not everyone didnt vote for you,but all the same you are in that office to serve pipo no matter their political there background.(cont)

  31. To say the truth,the British style of Govt has failed Zambia lamentably.Why? These ministers in Govt are so obssessed with keeping or retaining their seats at the expense of the much needed national development.We need academicians,established business Executives and other Intellectuals to manage our Country and reduce our polticians to mere lawmakers. In this way ,there wont be any conflict of interest as is the case right now. I know zambia and this author is very right. It is for this reason that some politicians cant retire coz its their livelihood for they cant make it in the private sector(In short they cant stand on their own).Very retrogressive.

  32. LT
    can you please take care of #24! The chao is too vulgar!! We cant have such, no ways! Surely can you now see? Can you compare”Wele” with his insult??
    Act Now!!

  35. I can now comment.

    This to me is no surprise at all. Chairmen, secretaries and even Ministers, have one thing in common; They are there to serve their interests first!
    So, that being the case, what do you think would take precedence over the two? Of course, abike!
    Thats just how bad leadership in this country is and just how greedy our politicians are

    LT, i hope this is in good taste> You seem to be scared of these leaders!

  39. #23, Please leave RB to do his job. The problems on the Copperbelt can not even come near to the problems of Northern Province. Thank you RB for getting your priorities right. The people on the Copperbelt just want cheap mealie meal but do not care about what the peasant farmer is paid for the maize. Northern Province has the potential to become the biggest breadbasket of Zambia esp Mpika, Kasama, Mbala, Isoka and Chilubi for Rice. It is also the next tourist destination. Please do not forget that Luangwa South and Luangwa North game reserves are also in Northern Province but Eastern Province is the beneficiary since the Airport (Mfuwe) is in Eastern Province.RB Welcome to Nortern Provinc

  40. :d
    Guys I have changed my mind.:d

    Look at the bike in the picture, it looks cute, Bike Mr Minister.

    After all the party has to go on and on. Good thinking!

    :d:d:d:d:d:d:d

  41. Ba Minister.
    How do you listen to that councillor sure,Iam sure for the Presido to put you in that office he saw that you are a man of high calibre,manje you choose to follow the councillor’s choice instead of educating it(not he/she.

    Then nkhani yakwa Pastor that is abusing the authority given to you.it like ka pastor didnt want to follow the right procedure,so he had to come to you for a favour.Both of you will be burnt to ashes in hell.

    Wasley.

    I will also blame you for not confronting the minister I know you wanted a job but it was going to be better to remind them that what they have done is unacceptable.i will never vote pa Zed. ~X(~X(~X(~X(

  42. guys dont worry about my garden boy #24 he usually snicks in when am ouside my home…hes from Kanyama what do u expect of him Komboni language

  43. 3RqU
    Nacifumapo pa queue mudala wandi.Iam very disapointed then balelanda ati come and invest muzambia teti nabakashi bafwila munshila becoz of…or abana bamona eyfo tabafwile ukumona. 8->8->

  46. LT.

    You see ifi efyo tatufwaya.Its not that we dont respect our leaders no,but they take us for granted.Sure how can someone choose a bike over human life? 8->8->

  49. #38
    Try as you might, you will never be me. I’m original, whilst you are fake! Thats the difference kafuntile ku diaspora kwako uko! You are the Zambians who are embarassing us out there in fact; Being on wanted lists, being jailed for murder, drug smuggling etc..
    i say to you again, YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME!

  50. Diasporee’s conjure up some serious bitterness on this forum, surely emotional instabilities of this kind can only be treated with proper diet and good education

  52. LT you really have to do something we have lost all our priminent bloggers those who added value to your site as for some of us we have ended up changing names now we appear different and new

  53. Ba Moze

    dont worry.Lt has started dealing with impersonators very sternly. They actually sent me an email, thats why i have started blogging under my former name…baby c! hooray!!! :o)

  58. #48 life_life, so you mean if this story was in the bible, it would be titled ‘The Parable of the Bike’?

  60. Dear Bloggers just want to let you know that we are temporarily closing this site..this is because we are recieving alot of abusive language then comments expected for stories we put up..however LT management is committed to serve and come up with new methods one of them being Loggin and passwords entry provision to all bloggers,,,thank you once again

  65. #39(Nkole Wa Mapembwe), I cant get it right. I havent castigated RB. I was merely suggesting a switch of govt style that will have academicians,business executives and other intellectuals(outside parliament) as opposed to the the current one.Im sure RB is equally a victim of the current style though he cant feel it.May be reread comment 31or is it 23.

  66. Even if Lsktimes was to introduce passwords that wouldn’t solve the plague of dundaheadism thats prevalent amongst zambians. Zambians are known to be engage in useless discussions that deteriorate into village squabbles . It is engrained in the culture of zed to foul mouthed and ill mannered , this is all thanks to corruption that has now corrupted the brains. Chiluba did not just plunder resources he plundered common sense

  68. What is done in darkness will surely come to light no matter how long it may take. All the people involved in this heartless consideration will pay one day some day. No wonder Zed wil take time to progress if at all it will

  73. LT
    I want to register my disgust to LT.Why are my postings on Moses Katumbi not being reflected? Are trying to protect that criminal? No,iam not happy!! Sad indeed LT, Sad!!

  74. Rashid Jones
    Please mukazionekela musanga,I was worried ati limbi Gaza War yafika napa Jordan,or Nicholas sakozy Kept you busy yesterday na nkhani ya ceasefire.Welcome man!!

  75. This guys is training on LT to write stories. Its not real people.
    Since its not real i can choose a bike coz it was promised and the money for the clinic is also a different story.

  76. Ala this is all rubbish how could a normal person choose a bike over a maternity ward surely where does he think he came from is it from a bike or from the womb? it has pained me to hear this story because as a women i know what it is like, what women go through surely it is imaginable and someone can’t even distinguish between a need and a want it is a shame.

  77. Lusaka Times you are infringing on our right to freedom of expression. People have the right to express their views. If you are not reflecting some postings then what is the use of having you around? You are becoming too political

    Please allow us to express how feelings and views.

    Good day.

  83. Ba Moze,3RqU,Sony Eric,Matworld-Nice guy!,thanks guys i have missed you alot. Nafishupa fimo fimo and the Gaza issue. Motorbike and clinic,mwilansekesha guys.

  84. **==**==**==
    #82 Baby c,
    thats the real you now,good job LT
    kawalala ali muma proplems,ama sunctions pa web ubwingi!!!

  85. I dont believe this story is true, there is usually privacy during such meetings, i dont think everyone will be in a position to hear what discussion is between the minister and others. FICTION.

  87. #77, LT should not be biased in their judgement. They should look at both sides of the story concerned.. soon you will be deserted of good contributors. Soon ba Kadoli bekabeka will be busy with silly this and that… mark my words…
    #77,am behind you,

  88. LT

    Once again, i respect your decision, and after all, this is your site. Just remember that a site is nothing without bloggers. So dont take the humour out of the blogg. There is no way you can be serious all the time! infact, thats a receipe for foul language. Humour takes the heat off pressure. Thanks all the same. Just one more favour, this issue ya akulu mphuno, what is your take…seriously?

    Bloggers, Good night and one love! :)>-

  89. Maan this site has really lost it’s novelty with me. it seems the only people left are people who think their opinions matter more and want to tell people what to do.Discent is treated as cardinal sin on here , this place is no different to Zambian politics. This place was fun during election time but now it’s rare to see a good topic and even the comments I zoom past most. It has become a pseudo dating site,ego clashes and people who have no regard or respect for peoples opinions of livelihoods.

  90. Of coure, I would choose a maternity clinic. That would bring long term service to the Zedian Community . Motor bikes could only be viable accessories to the clinic.

    SAVING LIVES IS THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL IN THIS ISSUE,.

  91. The Minister then said, “Well those people deserve it. They did not vote for me in 2006 and did not vote for the President in the presidential elections after all. They voted for the opposition. You know councilor this is God’s judgment.

    Mr Minister this is not fair. May God help us Zambians.[-o<[-o<[-o<

  94. OK LT, between you and me .. iyi story yabufi, ni bunkaz.
    Anyway i wud go for the CLINIC without hesitation.

    Thanx for being innovative na story …. ima vuta sometimes ka!

  99. This is a strange issue. The money which is coming from the donor may be specifically for the bikes. Therefore it can be difficult for the minister the use it for the clinic. Unless the money is said to be at the minister’s wish, then in my understand of his expresions, he may consider the clinic. As for Wesley, i think you were in a very tricky situation. But, you may have gained some respect if you had asked the mininster to make comments on other issues you had listened to. You could have done this after you were through with your business. This could not have been your last chance in your job hunt.

  100. This is a strange issue. The money which is coming from the donor may be specifically for the bikes. Therefore it can be difficult for the minister the use it for the clinic. Unless the money is said to be at the minister’s wish, then in my understand of his expresions, he may consider the clinic. As for Wesley, i think you were in a very tricky situation. But, you may have gained some respect if you had asked the mininster to make comments on other issues you had listened to. You could have done this after you were through with your business. This could not have been your last chance in your job hunt.

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