Tribalism irks Church

THE Church in Kabwe District in Central province has expressed concern over the escalating levels of tribalism in the country.

Catholic Diocese of Kabwe Pioneer Secretary, Smart Kasapo, has observed that tribalism has worsened to very scary levels in the recent past.

ZANIS reports that Mr Kasapo said in an interview on Thursday that currently, the One Zambia One Nation motto is no longer being observed as people are swiftly drifting away from the bonds and family ties that they once had towards one another.

“Unlike in the past when the Zambian citizens embraced and treated each other with love regardless of their origin, the state of affairs has since changed,” he said.

And United Church of Zambia (UCZ) All Saints Congregation reverend in charge, Felix Bwalya, has called for combined efforts in the fight against tribalism.

Rev Bwalya has also appealed to political leaders to desist from tribal politics, saying tribalism will only be fought when political leaders begin to place an emphasis on unity.

“Zambian ( national ) motto is very clear in as far as the country’s unity is concerned. It must be re-emphasized countrywide in order to change the current state of affairs,” he said. Rev Bwalya further said learning institutions, churches and all other platforms should emphasize on togetherness so as to strengthen the country’s unity and thereby fight tribalism.

He said meaningful development can only be achieved when the country is united.