In North Western Province, several stakeholders have conveyed disappointment in response to Parliament’s decision to reject a motion advocating for the introduction of sign language and Braille writing as optional subjects in all public schools. The motion aimed to address communication barriers for individuals with visual and hearing impairments.

Simona Mubiana, Assistant Provincial Coordinator of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), expressed his dismay, terming the motion as progressive and potentially beneficial for the nation. He proposed that the government should reconsider and make sign language a compulsory subject, integrated into the curriculum from Primary to Secondary Schools.

“It is unfortunate that members of parliament have rejected a motion that could have helped to address the communication barriers that exist among the visually impaired, people with hearing impairments, and abled individuals in the country,” remarked Mr. Mubiana.

He emphasized that the rejection of such a motion indirectly promotes inequality, contradicting Zambia’s 2023 vision of becoming a prosperous middle-income country without leaving anyone behind. Mubiana referenced Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 10, emphasizing the need to reduce inequalities through deliberate policies and programs.

Supporting the motion, according to Mr. Mubiana, would have facilitated more effective communication, enabling the future generation to express themselves without depending on interpreters. He expressed concerns about the existing communication barriers, particularly in public service sectors like health, where reliance on interpreters can lead to violations of human rights ethics regarding confidentiality.

Mr. Mubiana urged the church to invest in and incorporate an interpreter’s department to accommodate all congregants, including those with visual and hearing impairments.

Setty Maseka, the Provincial Organizing Secretary of the Zambia National Union of Teacher (ZNUT), shared the sentiment of disappointment. He stressed that the rejection is not only a setback for individuals with hearing and visual impairments but for the education sector as a whole.

“Sign language and Braille writing play a significant role in fostering inclusivity by providing communication accessibility to individuals with hearing and visual impairment,” noted Mr. Maseka.

He implored the National Assembly to reconsider the motion, emphasizing its potential benefits in promoting inclusive education and ensuring that no one is left behind. Last Wednesday, Acting Minister of Community Development and Social Services Rodney Sikumba argued that the motion could not proceed, citing the government’s prior introduction of Braille and Sign Language as optional subjects in the Zambia curriculum framework of 2013.

Leader of the opposition Socialist Party (SP) Fred M’membe has frowned upon politicking the Senseli mine tragedy that left numerous people trapped.

Featuring on Prime TV’s Oxygen of Democracy yesterday, Dr M’membe shocked the host of the show as he shunned away from politics while commenting on the matter in question.
The host seemingly expected the opposition leader to emulate the stance of other party leaders who have been pointing fingers at government on the tragedy.

Among the many issues raised regarding the matter in question, the politicians in question questioned why President Hakainde Hichilema had opted to stay in Dubai when there was such a tragedy back home.

But in response, Dr M’membe said “I don’t think this is the time to delve into what happened, who is at fault, what went wrong, now our focus is on the recovery of those who have been buried so that there can be a closure for the families. It’s time also to mourn the dead.”
“People are in mourning, people are in grief, pain, I think there will be a time to look at what happened, but not now.”

Dr M’membe said time will come to look at what happened.He said no one should be encouraged to start politicking the matter.

“Ninshita yakulosha ino, and I think let us focus on that. Let’s make it as easy as possible for those who have lost dear ones. Time will come to look at what happened,” he said.
“The focus now is to retrieve the remains, the bodies of those who are perishing in that accident and ensure that you know, they are given a decent burial, and their families are comforted, we mourn with them. It’s a nation in mourning now.”

The leader of the opposition in Parliament, Robert Chabinga, has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for demonstrating a spirit of unity and magnanimity towards his predecessor, former President Edgar Lungu. In the midst of heightened provocations, Mr. Chabinga emphasized that President Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) are not responsible for the challenges within the former ruling Patriotic Front (PF).

Speaking from his position as the Member of Parliament for Mafinga, Mr. Chabinga advised PF Members of Parliament to acknowledge the changed leadership in the National Assembly. He urged them to embrace discipline and decorum in the legislative body, emphasizing the importance of non-political conduct and effective representation aligned with the wishes of the electorate.

“President Hichilema has demonstrated love towards his predecessor, former President Lungu, even in the face of heightened provocation. The challenges within the PF should not be laid at the doorstep of President Hichilema and the UPND. It is essential for PF MPs to accept the new reality and move forward,” stated Mr. Chabinga in a statement issued to ZNBC News in Lusaka.

He underscored the importance of maintaining discipline in the National Assembly, urging MPs to prioritize the interests of the people who elected them. Mr. Chabinga emphasized the need for constructive checks and balances from opposition MPs, fostering an environment of cooperation and effective governance.

“Opposition MPs have a crucial role in providing constructive checks and balances in the House. It is imperative for all MPs to refrain from antagonizing one another and focus on contributing positively to the legislative process,” added Mr. Chabinga.

Renowned veteran politician and former diplomat, Vernon Mwaanga, is urging fellow Zambians to actively contribute towards the promotion of national peace and development. In a recent statement, Dr. Mwaanga emphasized the critical role of peace in Zambia’s pursuit of economic development and called on citizens to work collectively towards this common goal.

Highlighting the importance of peace as a foundation for progress, Dr. Mwaanga stressed that national peace is not just a given but must be actively pursued and maintained by the citizens. He underscored the need for constructive dialogue and lamented the apparent lack of recognition of its value among the new generation of politicians.

“We fought very hard to get rid of colonialism. We worked very hard to ensure that ‘one Zambia, one Nation’ remained our national motto. We have maintained good neighborliness with all the eight countries around us since our independence in October 1964. Our new generation of politicians is failing to understand and recognize the value of dialogue. Our politicians have opted to talk at each other but not to each other,” expressed Dr. Mwaanga.

Drawing from his experiences, Dr. Mwaanga highlighted the significance of dialogue and understanding diverse perspectives. He recalled the establishment of the Center for Inter-Party Dialogue during his generation, emphasizing its role in providing a platform for political parties to freely discuss matters of concern.

“In any free and diverse political environment, the difference of opinion is inevitable. Respect for each other’s opinions is vital. Civil discourse usually leads to finding common ground, which then produces compromises,” Dr. Mwaanga explained.

The veteran politician urged for civility in political discourse, emphasizing the importance of respectful disagreement and the recognition that differing opinions do not necessarily lead to hostility. He emphasized that fostering a peaceful political environment is crucial for economic growth and the well-being of the nation.

As Zambia faces the challenges of rebuilding its economy, Dr. Mwaanga emphasized the necessity of a peaceful political atmosphere. He called on all political parties to commit themselves to non-violence and ensure that this commitment reaches their supporters.

“There is nowhere in this world where there are no disagreements among people. We must also be cognizant of the fact that, in all the older and nascent democracies, people and institutions function within the laws on their statutes. Lawlessness is not synonymous with democracy. We all have a duty to help create an environment where our children and children’s children will live in peace and harmony,” Dr. Mwaanga concluded.

His words serve as a reminder of the responsibility each citizen holds in shaping the nation’s future, underscoring the importance of fostering an environment conducive to dialogue, understanding, and national unity.