APPEALING TO EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR PALAN MULONDA, AMBASSADOR OF ZAMBIA IN WASHINGTON DC, USA.
Dear your excellency ambassador Mulonda,
I don’t have your direct email as I didn’t find it on the embassy website so I hope you get this from the other emails I sent to at the embassy. I am writing to you as a concerned member of the Zambian diaspora here in America and a child of mother Zambia.
Please forgive me, I cannot share my true name or identity for fear of being attacked on social media, especially on Facebook by the people that I mention in this letter.
I didnt want to say anything until I read a facebook message by Mwangala Jo that she is meeting Minister Kalaba to discuss the diaspora.
I have being living in America with my family for some years. Me and my spouse are employed full time and our children are in school. We have been doing business in Zambia. We buy used trucks and send them to Zambia to be contracted with the copper mines. We also send women beauty products, building supplies and clothes. Our next idea is to try and import Zambian products to America. It has been difficult sometimes but we are trying.
[pullquote]I am not a member of the Association because it has a limited focus. Its focus is only about parties while me I am focused on business and education.[/pullquote]
We live in a State with a lot of Zambians and there is a Zambian Association. I am not a member of the Association because it has a limited focus. Its focus is only about parties while me I am focused on business and education. Me and my spouse are both legally staying here and we plan to go back to Zambia one day. One of my biggest interests is Zambian politics so I try to keep up with what is happening back home. I want to gain from America and then go and benefit Zambia.
But Ambassador, I was very disturbed and worried when I saw the article in the Zambia Daily Mail and the Lusaka Times that a group here in the diaspora is saying that they represent every Zambian individual and Zambian business in the whole of America. The group I am talking about is the Society of Zambians in America or SOZA. When I saw the articles I wanted to do some research first to see what this is about. So I started asking people and also reading the comments on Facebook by these individuals who met with you at the Embassy. I also read on the Facebook fan page and I was very disturbed. My biggest worry was that you as the Ambassador who should represent all Zambians is endorsing this group. I don’t know under what authority some people can just make a group and claim to represent everyone and then a whole government embassy believes them. To me this is dangerous.
I was not going to write to you got today I see a Facebook message from the president of SOZA saying that all Zambians in the diaspora should complete a survey because she has a meeting with the minster of foreign affairs in DC and she wants us to speak with one voice. What is going on here?? Who are these people to speak for us to the minister. Please I beg you ambassador, put a stop to this nonsense. We don’t know these people and they are speaking for the whole diaspora. When is the minister coming to America? Is the minister going to visit us in the diaspora? Why didn’t the invitation come to all of us? Please these individuals do not speak for us.
I looked at Facebook comments and some things I found are disturbing. For example,
The president of this SOZA was publicly on Face book insulting our current president especially during election and also saying disrespectful things about our late President Sata and PF Party. These are her exact words:
(1)Be careful who you Vote for fellow Zambians!! You have seen all the signs. Does this look like a man capable of leading Zambia?! Edgar Lungu has not even articulated his vision and how then are we ever going to hold him accountable?”
(2) Dear Zambians, as January 20th draweth nigh, Don’t forget how the ruling Party nationalized Zamtel and filled up all key positions with PF cadres. Don’t forget how they reversed the sale of finance bank and handed it back to Rajan Mathani who had been found in breach of the banking regulations. Don’t forget how in PF government, out of 23 cabinet ministers, 15 are from the same province, and it should be a no brainer which province that is. Don’t forget how the diplomatic mission was filled with relatives, girlfriends, and former receptionists. Don’t forget how Sata called his ministers useless. Remember Edgar Lungu is running on Michael Sata’s vision. its time to say NO to a PF vision of corrupt practices and nepotism. Say NO to tribalism. Say NO to useless leaders! Vote for the economic development of Zambia.”
(3) Dear Zambians, today you get a chance to rectify the Michael Sata disaster. Get up and go and Vote wisely. Vote.out PF! Vote HH! Happy and peaceful ELECTION DAY Zambia!”
Also on the Facebook of the SOZA President Mwangala Jo (I don’t know if that is her real name), she is telling Zambians to get passport forms from her. Is this woman now authorized to get involved with issuing government documents? Isn’t there a person at the embassy who was sent here and paid by the Zambian government who is supposed to do that?
Another question, have these people been checked to see if it is safe for them to be handling them government documents? Are they Zambians or Americans or illegals? Isn’t this a security issue? Some may have criminal backgrounds, some may even be here illegally but issuing government documents. Some are involved in 419 deals here. Some months ago in an article in the newspaper the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Kalaba warned Zambians in the diaspora about getting involved in illegal activities while abroad so I think the embassy should make sure it is not risking itself. Is the minister aware of the group he will be meeting? Yes even an illegal Zambian is still a Zambian but for the embassy to be giving them government documents it is not safe for the country.
[pullquote]How can someone insult the President of Zambia one day and then go and visit the embassy saying they represent every Zambian and Zambian organizations in the diaspora?[/pullquote]
How can someone insult the President of Zambia one day and then go and visit the embassy saying they represent every Zambian and Zambian organizations in the diaspora? I was also told that SOZA President Mwangala had association with a Zambian who was here illegally and involved in Nigerian 419 scam and was deported. They are also Zambians in our state here who did tax fraud and they are in jail. Do you know the status of these SOZA as you provide them with government documents?
What has this group planning for Zambians in diaspora? Apart from a Facebook page of discussions we don’t know anything nothing else that they are standing for. From the SOZA team meeting with you Ambassador, they say they are fighting for dual citizenship. Is it not true that dual citizenship is already in the new constitution? At least President of the Zambian association in Atlanta sidique has been known to do a good job raising money when a family needs to send a dead body back home because most of us don’t buy life insurance so we need donations. If its not for people like sidique, some Zambians I don’t know where they would be buried.
Another risk with this group is they can support one political party, insult other parties and the leaders and then say that they are speaking for the whole diaspora. I don’t want someone speaking for me about politics especially if they are disrespectful to Zambian leaders and the government. But on the Facebook pages of these SOZA individuals they are saying a lot of disrespectful things (please look at the Facebook for Mwangala Jo).
This lady, Mwangala Jo was encouraging Zambian diaspora to vote for HH. It is ok for anyone to select the party of choice but Ambassador you have endorsed someone who is telling us to vote for HH (please look at the Facebook for Mwangala Jo). I don’t want this woman to tell me who to vote for. I don’t want the people in Zambia to think that all of us in the diaspora are for one political party. Just to give you a good example of SOZA President Mwangala showing disrespectfulness to government, she said on January 19: “Dear Zambian, today you get a chance to rectify the Michael Sata disaster. Get up and go and vote wisely. VOTE out PF! Vote HH!. (please look at the Facebook for Mwangala Jo)” On January 16, Mwangala said: “Be careful who you vote for fellow Zambians!! You have seen all the signs. Does this look like a man capable of leading Zambia?” Ambassador Mulonda, are you not part of PF? How can you endorse someone who is insulting your boss and our President in public?
I also asked some counterparts about this SOZA group. One of them says he is also in SOZA. I learned from him that most of the associations even the association here has refused to join SOZA and this is the biggest in America. I also learned that this group was formed under your direction as ambassador sometime back and you have assigned 3 embassy people as representatives with SOZA. I was told that the person responsible for news and press affairs Patricia Litiya is the SOZA link to your office and she is the one who has been giving documents to SOZA.. She is a regular contributor on the SOZA Facebook. Its good at least she is connecting with the dispora. It appears that you and your staff accept the kind of behavior from this SOZA group. So I think its true that these are the links from the embassy to SOZA.
This morning, I just saw on Patricia’s Facebook that she was in Atlanta for a dinner party in official capacity. Is this not the same Patricia Littiya who got into a Facebook fight with a Zambian lady from Dallas called Cynthia Neal from dallas? We laughed here but we asked but how can government diplomat get involved into such drama. Its unprofessional. And now she was in Atlanta at a party as a Zambian government official.
I looked at the SOZA Facebook page and I admit it is a good social site. Many people discussing different topics and advertising functions and businesses. This is a good place for people to meet and discuss. It’s like the Facebook for Zambia Scorpion and Zambia Eye. But they shouldn’t be trying to represent every Zambian in America. It is fine as a social place. I see many people there are not in America. At least the Zambians in Dallas are putting the first Zambian Expo. Those are the things that the minister should be seeing not just taking to people who only work on facebook. The Expo was organized by the association in Dallas but SOZA is put its name on the Expo as if its them.
Your Excellency Ambassador Mulonda it’s good that you are opening your doors to the diaspora. It’s good that the diaspora is forming associations and businesses and other groups but one group cannot just say it covers everyone even those who don’t agree with them. I believe that you Ambassador and the embassy should continue supporting all Zambians but not just a few individuals in one association.
Since the Zambia embassy put this information on the embassy website which is a government website and also in the Zambian newspapers, can you also publicly tell us in the diaspora with an official statement that you as the government has selected this group to represent and speak for every Zambian and Zambian owned organization in America? I am also wondering if there is a person at the embassy who looks at the legal and political issues. Because I think this has some serious legal and political risks.
I don’t know these SOZA people but the comments I have seen them make and the things that I have been told, I do not want them speaking for me.
The message I am getting is that if I do not sign up in SOZA then the embassy will not represent me as a Zambia in diaspora because the embassy wants to speak to one organization. I expect the Zambia Embassy to put out stories about progress, how to get houses in Zambia and not just pictures of Patricia Littiya and SOZA members.
Your excellency Mr Ambassador how about those zambians who are PHDs, medical doctors, business professionals? How come we don’t see them? Some are doing big things but you seem to be only supporting ba lumpen. I respect you as our ambassador but I beg you, this is going to be a big problem.
They say “ICHI KUPEMPULA ECHI KULYA”
Concerned Zambian in the diaspora
What a long and tedious write up. Next time if you want anyone to read your letter be kind enough to be precise and organize your thoughts.
And besides, those comments by SOZA Chairperson are not insults. Edgar Lungu failed and continues to fail to articulate his vision. Unfortunately staying in America has not taught you anything Mr.Author of this article. Just say what you name is, such shallow thinking is a prerequisite for PF membership. The PF will welcome you with open hands
True long and tedious. I didn’t finish it but two things for you author: 1. Mwangala Jo was 100% right what he said about Edgar Lungu, Sata and PF before elections. You may be suffering from HH-phobia; 2. You are also right that some of those chaps without proper identity can’t claim to represent all Zambians in USA and then the Ambassador listens to them.
This is a manifestation of a frustrated, destructive bitter mind. The author is not addressing real issues and solutions. We all have a right to agree and disagree, even to disgree or disapprove of Lungu and PF. Disagreeing and decampaigning PF is not an insult to Lungu. The real issue is too many people think highly of themselves in the diaspora and when anything is done without their involvement they want to pull it down(PHD syndrome). My advice to you author is; Join SOZA to influence their policies or form your own association. Your motive here is to destroy the little that these people are trying to do and it’s Snakes like you that have been dividing the Zambian community in the USA. Stop overrating yourself for a start.
Don’t apologize for airing your views truck driver! The key for survival as a Zambian in diaspora is to keep a yardstick between yourself and other Zambians it doesn’t make you less of a Zambia, it just keeps you focused on learning how to live and thrive in your new country.
Many of the successful Zambians in diaspora limit their association with Zambians. Their associations are useless and festering with alcohol and simple gossip. Personally, if a person was not in my circles in Zambia why should they be in diaspora, uku icibeleshi!
Complaining without providing an alternative is just being stupid. Better join the group and fight from within to change it for the better.its clear there is no other group to represent you in America and the ambassador can’t meet everyone individually hence clean the group through dialogue which is one thing you should learn in America- civilisation. Agree to disagree and move on
The author is very right! We live it here… These so called Zambian organizations are dominated by a few households( mostly their tribal cousins), and they exclusively exclude those they see as a threat. It’s not only here in the US, you ask people in Sweden, the Republic of Ireland and those in UK. Mwangala and her organization are just jealousy and greedy Cons!!
Learn to embrace critical voices you feckers!
I have read every sentence in this post for the simple reason that am an interested party. I cannot fault the reasoning of the author and I believe he/she has a valid point. Who, just simply who and by what process did SOZA acquire the legitimacy to represent all Zambians in the USA diaspora? Then what process did the embassy engage to recognise the association as a representative of Zambians I the USA ??? Embedded in this post is the accusation that Palan Mulonda does not truly represent the interest of President Lungu’s government. I cannot fault that either…..
Common story of zambians abroad. If you don’t agree with the group just chicken out and mind your own business period. Why bother with people who neither pay your bills nor take care of your affairs. Kuichaila fye!
I very much agree with you Mr. Observer. Why should this guy bother about those who are there illegally. Did he pay for them to get to America. And the other thing is that it doesn’t matter whether he is there legally himself, he shall always be regarded as a foreign by the real Americans.
I may not know your issues, but one thing I certainly agree with you is that Zambian Associations focus is just Parties ..and I must add beer, I saw this in UK, I saw this in Namibia, I saw this in Kenya, I saw this in Ethiopia , I saw this in Botswana and I see this in South Africa too.
I think these Zambian Associations need to learn how our friends like Jews, Somalis, Indians, and Nigerians on how they organise themselves in Diaspora. All Zambians know is just beer,parties, beer, parties and if you are lucky English premier league football. That is all they exist for. Shame indeed
@Njikata; you are absolutely right. Same thing happens here in the USA. It’s all about booze. I am a teetotaler and these people want to make it seem that I have a problem. You should see the men with their unattractive beer bellies while the women drink just as much as their boyfriends or their husbands. And for me there is nothing more pathetic and unattractive than a drunk woman! So I would rather stay home than waste my time with drunkards.
Woh! That’s why njoka siyenda na mwana do a research have you ever seen njoka nabana. Meaning mind your business in this matter, fortune knocks once yours is on its way.
The trend of primitive Zambian men stripping women naked in public is not right and it should be stopped!!
Mobs of classless stinking men surround a beautiful woman and rip away her clothes until she is naked.
Primitive Zambian man be civilized its none of their business what someone is wearing.
Shame on these lowlifes, when did anyone’s dressing became another person’s business?
These savages are potential rapists who should rot in jail
The last time i checked God created us naked and in African culture women wore bark-skin “G-String” and nothing on top… Chitenge’S AND SALAULA WERE BROUGHT BY MUZUNGU’S
Shame on you Zambian *****s!!
Dont worry friend, those who can not c beyond their nostrials are kicking against the pricks 4 wishing their hh 2 ever b président of ths country, cheerio pal!
get off your Butt and do something, stop being jealous of people who use their inicetive. Typical African. When they see some one do some thing start complaining.
Start your own association and mind your own business.
Something afoot vis-a-vis ambassador Mulonda that requires scrutiny by the relevant machinery. Looks like Mulonda has gone soft for the sick opposition.
She is entitled to have personal views despite her office position and your coat dagger sycophancy, the PHD spirit is the most upsetting bit!
Damn! The say when u’re i Roma do as the Romans do. For goodnes sake u’re in America! Work hard and live the American dream! Why are you stil begging? Fcuk SOZA! Fcuk these diasporia associations, they are just for parties and if you are lucky for malilo, finish! Stop begging, work for your money
Interesting. Mulonda, Mwangala, Litiya, is this just coincidence. Author, what are you trying to say?
The embassy support specific selected few, I also observed that a had an event some time last month on AGOA which was very important for PLAN MULONDA to embrace and support the man and we haven’t seen the publication about. The embassy which Zambian to support.
By the way, Mulonda is not Lozi! You fool needs to get this!
It is normal to disagree with some activities of an association. It is what you do when you disagree that defines your level of civility. The way the author has stated his case, smells of a weakling trying to seek cheap favours from government by insinuating that people in SOZA belong to a mentioned opposition party. Cadre mentality that is all.
My philosophy is to love them as fellow Zambians and if I don’t agree with their binge drinking glutinous parties and club polices, “TO STAY AWAY” and mind my own sh!t. The author is just being a typical snake here. Have you expressed your opinion and concern to SOZA before typing this rant? Are you a solution provider? Are you a constructive or a destructive critic? Do you believe in freedom of expression and association? Are you really literate?
And if SOZA is not representing your ideals, and if the SOZA leaders are not royal enough to PF and Lungu, then go ahead and form your own association of people with like minds. It will be nice to see people like you get together and accomplish a single thing. Am sure there is no limit as to how many clubs and association should be constituted to represent Zambians, it’s the USA you live in by the way. Total freedom of expression and association is permitted.
Ok, a bit of some truth mixed with sour grapes.
But for you info: ECL is slowly ‘fading out’…
No matter how much we adopt Western culture, we will always be perceived as foreign because of the way we look.
That’s why it’s our right to have dual-citizenships.
Author since you’re wondering who mwangala Jo is, just Google mwangala lubinda Haimbe, and you will know for yourself who the real person is, a wrap sheet with the county.
There alot of problems with this article. First and foremost, SOZA is an organization formed of associations. NOT INDIVIDUALS. Associations that represent Zambians in their own individual level. Second, the President of SOZA is not political. She has consistently championed the community in the USA not to let politics in Zambia to divide the community. HERE IN THE USA life is not about what tribe you are from, or what political party you represent; we need each other and this has been the message of SOZA.
The society of Zambians in America was created because we found ourselves lacking skills if we focused only on our states. Now because of SOZA, raising money to send a body back home doesnt take as long as it used to take because SOZA provides access to a larger network.
The Embassy of The Republic of Zambia continues and will always represent Zambians all over. This great embassy has reached out to the Zambian community, all of us, regardless of political affiliation, or tribe to help us in this country. Because of this embassy Zambians are able to renew their passports, are able to access more information about things back home, and we have become a better community because of the outstanding leadership the embassy has been giving us. This is the first time we have experienced this type of unity in the USA. The positive community organization that has been spearheaded by the embassy is unique, its validated by the fact that we as a community have become more aware and engaged with Zambia.
This letter does not represent in any shape or form the conditions and community organization that is in the USA. As a community, we have done alot to reach this level; a level were we are able to work as Zambians through out the USA. SOZA is an organization that is inclusive; its an organization that has made networking with various Zambians easier and delivery of products and services within the Zambian Community in America far much more efficient.
I categorically refute this letter as a member of the Zambian community in America. It does not represent any ounce of our goals as a community and our achievements.
This letter is very suspect.
You are dam right.this embassy chose who to support. THERE was an event sometime in ‘AGOA DISCUSSION ‘ we thought they could embrace such big ideas from Zambians and we were hopping that embassy would come in full support. All this is because they don’t like certain group of Zambian.
This author clearly has issues to deal with. Who tells you that a Zambian who supports the opposition should not associate with the ambassador? You are in America, the Biggest Democracy On Earth But Still Has Kalingalinga in you. You flush your frustrations and get a life. Moreover, go back to school at take English 101. Edgar lungu and PF are indeed failures! Viva Mwangala Jo!
The point is, don’t force me to be in some association if I don’t want. Let those who want to be in soza feel free. The embassy has no right to tell me 2 talk to them through soza, unless it is a legal arm of the government, ie get a police report from the police station. Why should some claim to speak on my behalf when I didn’t send him. I don’t want, don’t even try to force me.
Just shut the f** up nobody is forcing you!
This whole thing just spews hatred. If you’ve lived here in the US you should know freedom of speech is what makes America. Mwangala is has every right to give her own political views, so don’t throw her under the bus like that. I am very disgusted with you because every sane person can read between the lines and see that you are trying to put Soza in disarray. It won’t work! Just stay there in your miserable corner.
It can’t. I tried. I couldn’t even finish this LONG LETTER. It is very obvious there’s a lot more to this than meets the eye. Someone’s needs to deal with his feelings of grandeur and calm the f u c k down.
i wished this could be more refine and articulate. put issues pa stigeni and have every Zambia represented.