POSITIVE VIBRATIONS NO 100 Let’s go back to basics
THE political playing field since the Zambian political independence, has seen many dynamics. From many years of struggle that produces a comrade kind of spirit to politics of survival, characterised more by chance and accident.
In the days of the independence struggle, those that coalesced and united to fight a common enemy are known. To a large extent, Zambia is what it is today because of accounted deliverables of the past.
We saw how a “smart” calculation was made by the then Chairman General of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions, who was the first Chairman of mobilisation for the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD). If he did not calculate to “out manoeuvre” or “undermine” the MMD interim MMD President, the late Arthur Wina, the Zambian and MMD history would have been different.
We have been seeing repeats of calculations and unfulfilled promises across most of the political formations – at least the big ones. It has been calculation after calculation, in the hope that a particular calculation will bring about enhanced political fortunes.
But, all that said, we need to understand and probably critique the emerging pattern of calculations, devoid of loyalty, conviction and commitment.
If and when you must disagree on the basis of principle, it shall be evident from your works and conduct, not hallucinations/disloyalty. I have tonnes of respect for individuals who make decisions out of principle and not out of political expediency or driven by material things.
The fact that Dr. Chiluba scored major successes, even though others called him all kinds of names, demonstrates the greed in man. You cannot realistically erase his achievements. Equally, it would be quite unreasonable to suggest that he did not “dribble” his way to the presidency of MMD.
In my view and based on the happenings before the MMD was galvanised to be the force that it became, I hold the view that he calculated that if he played, a particular game, a particular result would be the case.
It was a gamble and a gamble which worked well and not forgetting the fact that Dr. Chiluba was prayerful. With his growing faith, he actually declared Zambia, a Christian Nation. There is plenty of evidence of Zambians appreciating this gesture!
We see others trying to do catch up. President Michael Chilufya Sata, was in the opposition for 10 years together with a number of faithfuls, who do not number in millions; but reflecting the support base that President Sata subsequently attracted.
Nobody can doubt the fact that President Sata’s showings in the elections that followed the first were he participated at a Presidential candidate, were good and encouraging. Based on this, many political calculators decided to align their political career with the Patriotic Front (PF). Nothing wrong with this “smart” approach.
All it speaks to is the fact that most of those that decided to cooperate with the PF, just like the MMD at formation, were not hard core PF, but political investors of good will. These could be assets or liabilities. Only time will tell! It is therefore safe and proper for any political party to seek to/and recruit new members.
All one needs to do it to follow the records of who has been playing what role during the political upheavals of the PF and with what intention, then you will appreciate my systemic posture.
The net result therefore is that the necessary political tsunami that almost wreaked havoc in the PF, was expected as a result of human factors/elements. The many “political refugees” and calculators, insisting on certain privileges drew a blank, resorting to blackmail. It still is a struggle of bread and butter and has exposed the loyalty levels of those that make proprietary and territorial claims.
Just as all are equal before the law, so is the case with the membership of the PF. Look at Parliament, all Members of Parliament, whether elected or nominated enjoy equal privileges and this in my view, is a good reference point.
The PF top leadership, which include the Party President – President Edgar C. Lungu, the Party Vice President, VEEP Ms Inonge Mutukwa Wina and the Secretary General, Mr. Davies Mwila and many others, have pronounced themselves on this important housekeeping matter. All members, new and old are equal in every way.
The PF Secretary General (Mr. D. Mwila) has been emphasising the need for accommodation of the new by the old in his recent tours. It is all about political reality, fairness, accommodation and numbers – both quantitative and qualitative.
Yes, and no doubt, politics is about numbers, but more fundamental, our Bill of Rights, which carries the spirit of the Interna- tional Bill of Rights, does not allow for any form of negative discrimination barring perpetrators of illegalities.
So then, what are the basics? It could be a long shopping list, but I will avoid that approach, by sticking to what we all know and agree with – which are the relics or words of the Zambia National Anthem and our National motto of One Zam- bia, One Nation.
The Zambian National Anthem correctly assumes that we need each other. That one land and one nation is our cry! The Nationalists and Freedom Fighters, demonstrated this fact through policies and practices that entrenched unity, such as “intermarriages.”
You see, Zambia, is now a Christian Nation and I have not heard any politician speaking against Zambia, being a Christian Nation and Christ as we know exudes Love!
This therefore makes it even more of a duty and imperative for all Zambians to unite, coalesce and work together.
In this respect and this respect alone, I would support any measure that puts a stop to hate propaganda and any artificial differentiation based on some identified but unsaid, criteria.
I tell you what, never mind what is going on in your mind right now, we need each other to make a difference between bad and good.
Unity, Peace, Love, Hard work and many other attributes that stem from the Zambian National Anthem, are critical ingredients of a harmonised society. It is for Zambians to recognise this fact; and do something about it.
Our good investors, whether from the West or East, will not do much about this reality. But, there is something that we can do, as a deliberate safety measure.
We can insist that all those that wish to invest in Zambia, must have a deliberate social responsibility angle beyond boreholes and classrooms. Make communities shareholders and there are many examples of success stories, within Southern Africa. So, it is possible – it can be done.
Such a thrust has everything to do with the importance of keeping our national anthem unadulterated. We need it to remain pure as it remains so much in synch with President Edgar C. Lungu’s campaign for a Smart Zambia.
Clearly, a Smart Zambia, needs all Zambians and it is for this reason that I salute all Parliamentarians for approving successive National Budgets, without “stone throwing.”
This is what I call patriotism and leadership; which elements must be further harnessed to realise the much needed National Development.
So, for the basics to realise the desired goals, we must pay homage to fundamentals of living together. Our actions must reflect what we do and if politicking is a threat to national unity, we must act together to cure the real and perceived problem; so that a small fire does not graduate into a difficult to control large bush fire.
Remember, a single strike of a match, can burn the whole bush. But, this can only happen if conditions for the fire to explode exist.
Take the recent cholera, outbreak: I hold the view that we would have had a disaster if NO special and specific interventions, where made. Think about it!
As we embrace basics, we must recognise the failing in certain individuals who think and believe that because Zambia, is a democracy, then they can do anything and on being corrected, quickly claim harassment and victimisation. You cannot be walking naked and claim that “but it is my democratic right!”
It is harassment when you are arrested without a cause. It is harassment when doing the right, legal and legitimate thing, attracts negative sanctions. I would consider it harassment to unleash a media-based campaign against a person or entity as it clearly offends natural justice.
It is often said that the grass looks greener on the other side. The implication is that even on your side, you can make the grass as green as the other side. That is what some countries did. They closed themselves and diversified seriously to be a factor in global politics.
Zambia, as a country has so much going. Many studies by sector have been done and we appear to be found wanting at the implementation stage. Almost ten years ago, there was a meeting that interrogated the issue of diversification. I am not sure I can authoritatively say that we have diversified from our copper reliance.
Successive governments have been talking about agro-business and the importance of moving away from business as usual. What is the hold-up? Let’s gravitate towards a Smart Zambia as expounded by President Edgar C. Lungu!