Nip xenophobia in bud

“XENOPHOBIA against any race or nationality is uncivilised and unacceptable and Zambia must not tolerate this bad behaviour to permeate the fabrics of our society,” Zambia National Association of Saw millers (ZNAS) president William Bwalya has said. Mr Bwalya, who was speaking in an interview yesterday in the wake of seemingly discriminatory sentiments against the Chinese and their investments in Zambia and the alleged sale of ZAFFICO, said ZNAS members enjoyed a cordial relationship with the Chinese. “The ZNAS members have enjoyed good hospitality in China and our presentation paper while there at the 5th China Global timber forum was full of praise of the cooperation long enjoyed by the two countries springing from the days of our country's struggle for independence. We extolled the construction of the TAZARA, the football stadia, the MFEZ at Chambishi among other areas of cooperation by the Chinese people, then under the leadership of Chairman Mao Zedong. “To the Chinese friends we trade with and collaborate with in our timber business, we offer our unreserved apology to you for going through this kind of treatment from the hands of some Zambians. This is not our nature. I also urge those trained in China to form up a Zambia/ China Association to illustrate the contributions of China towards our betterment. You can be better ambassadors to give China's image to Zambians. I hope a few friends will agree like Kumbukilani Phiri. Something needs to be done to stop this vice,” Mr Bwalya said.