POSITIVE VIBRATIONS No 83
Impunity and Indiscipline
IT IS literally impossible to raise a Smart Zambia if impunity and indiscipline are allowed to take centre stage in both public and private life. Do not hide behind the great works of President Sata (MHSRIP) to pursue/justify wrongs!
I write this based on what I know of the struggle for independence, which in essence was a human rights struggle for human dignity. The relics of our Zambian National anthem say it all.
There is no doubt in my mind that 1991, was emphatically a landmark year, not only because of the entry of the Third Republic and change of government but for the direction that the country took. For instance, the once upon a time completely controlled economy was liberalised with the consequences that we must manage subsequent events (I believe complaining and some of the challenges of intolerance, graft, white collar crimes etc, are part of what must be managed.)
What is worrisome though; is the impunity and indiscipline that is attempting to lay a foundation for our Zambia, post the Nationalist era.
It is a foundation that Nationalists like Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, Sikota Wina, Munukayumbwa Sipalo, Reuben Kamanga, Humphrey Mulemba, Kenneth Kaunda, etc, would neither deal with, nor entertain.
We have fresh and good brains able to shed more and better light, such as the current Republican Vice President, Ms Inonge Mutukwa Wina and others, who have a rich political background of the struggle.
The craving or push for “getting rich quickly” or what some schools of thought call primitive accumulation of capital has, if the media reports have any merit, taken a route which could really undermine our democracy. I have said before, it is possible to push a self serving agenda, (as Adolf Hitler did in Germany), using legitimate causes as well as the legal platforms that a democratic dispensation offers.
Let me be quick and state that he or she, who goes to equity, must go with clean hands. This is critical for any person who has taken oath or occupies a position of power as a trustee. Charity begins at home – and herein, lies a key component of indiscipline, that is worrisome.
A youngster or person with no regard for authority, or the elderly if scrutinised, would be discovered not to have had a good upbringing and there are plenty such unfortunate souls, who are importing soiled values in our society.
That is unacceptable and offends core democratic values (I now understand why individuals pushing an unreasonable agenda, would argue that “but it is my democratic right”).
I was brought up to respect elders and I was brought up to respect laws. In this respect, my work in general, speaks for itself. I am very proud of most youngsters that I worked with because; they all walk with their head high as they discharge their responsibilities, responsibly.
Many a people confuse the concept of possession with that of ownership. Let me give an example. When you hire a car or rent a house, these things do not belong to you, but you have the right of usage as long as you have legal possession. The car would belong to the hire company and the house to the landlord.
There is nothing that would immediately stop you from selling property which is not yours but in your possession. Be assured though that although it may take long, the long arm of the law will catch up with you and charge you appropriately.
In this example your exit route will be to either destroy evidence, which is another crime or take the famous Bemba saying of “Kufilila Munsenga” (It has to be me and me alone. If it is not me, then nobody should have it.) This clearly is a destructive stint but could apply “reasonably well” on somebody’s personal farm or house but not anywhere in public life!
An example of this kind of behaviour that we now know of, is a contractor who is given a contract to perform but once paid, he/she abandons the project. Then that contractor, when pursued, is uncooperative and basically refuses to perform, sending a clear message to all that after all, he or she is above the law. Really? That is unacceptable!
Theft broadly falls in the subject matter of impunity and indiscipline. I see no good reason in praising a group of individuals or an individual whose middle name is Abuse/ Thief!
But then this puts us in great trouble as a people. It offends morality and tears collective responsibility apart. It allows liars and gossipers to introduce a very dangerous personal agenda, which agenda destroys individuals who stand in the way of the “most powerful,” Yes, prophets of doom!
Who then is in the dock? Unfortunately or fortunately, it is the relevant law enforcement agency. Whereas I may or indeed anybody can conduct a citizen’s arrest, this kind of arrest is very limited. Law enforcement agencies have the power and capacity to do what no individual citizen can do, without attracting affray.
Let’s talk about the President. We have a duty to respect the institution of the Presidency so much so that supporting President Edgar Lungu, is important. In addition to being Republican President, he too is entitled to fairness, justice and equity.
I once saw him (President Lungu) shake his head in total disbelief when he visited some structure of poor workmanship in Central Province. But that is the most he can do, because he has delegated his powers as prescribed and since Zambia is anchored on the rule of law, the President is not exempt.
Within Central Province where the problem was identified (and there are more), there are government structures which are well equipped to deal with any irregularity or wrong.
Why are they not acting? Is it politically good to pass the buck on to the President? What about other government functionaries supported by Tax payers’ money; why are they unable to act to correct an obvious wrong? Need permission?
My defence of President Edgar C. Lungu is about defending Zambian democracy. You have heard him say, “I carry a big stick.” That is very true and he is a President for all; who has taken oath to uphold the Zambian constitution. The Lawyer he is, I do not see him making fatal and costly decisions such as the recent Zamtel judgment against Zambia; where the country will have to pay US$280 million!
My appeal is that those that have the privilege to serve Zambia in any capacity from the Office Orderly to Chief Executives must deal with both BENEFITS and BURDENS, without fear or favour.
There is no way that you can be doing exploitative business and at the same time appear to be serving the Zambian people. One of the two will suffer and I submit that because of the reported malaise and poor delivery of services; prompted by disastrous attitudes; the ordinary Taxpayers, bear the blunt of poor decisions.
All these things have everything to do with indiscipline, clothed with impunity.
A Policeman or Policewoman is not armed in order to kill his or her perceived enemies. He/she is armed because that is part of the work gear, and a firearm, in this instance may be necessary if used legally. (I certainly would oppose any decision to use a firearm recklessly). You saw how swiftly police moved to arrest an officer who shot his wife, thereby committing murder. We should not forget that nobody is above the law!
It is clear to me therefore that indiscipline and impunity are at the centre of some of our problems. The two go hand and glove with dishonesty and pettiness!
I personally do not want President Lungu to be a President, who is above the law, which is what others tacitly, want. I opposed the decision by President Levy Mawanawasa to terminate the job of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), without following the law. The issue was never that the DPP cannot be fired but that the procedure for removing him from office had to be followed.
I raise the concern of “Presidential interference” not because I want to but because I am concerned that those given the power to correct things, are not acting.
In this scenario, since the buck ends at the President, the public will judge him wrongly, based on what they see. Is this the unfairness/intention of those misinforming him and refusing to act or acting wrongly with impunity?
When some of these people act, they act on non issues, such as those which attract the false perception of victimisation. My view remains that, one must do what she/he is employed for. No further debate! A dishonesty employee, no matter how good, qualifies for discharge and the incident of enforcing discipline, should not attract debate. (It will attract debate if double standards manifest or perceived).
Wrong doing at work is part of the scourge of indiscipline and must not be tolerated. Failing or refusing to take action will produce a roller coaster of wrongs and we definitely do not need anarchy in Zambia!
Dishonesty is what leads to indiscipline and impunity. Zambia cannot afford this “luxury” of false simulation because we must end by delivering a SMART ZAMBIA.
See you next week!