LET'S KICK POVERTY OUT
LAST week, Africa celebrated Africa Freedom day. In South Africa, it is called Human Rights Day. The bottom line is that Africa needs to substitute the tag of grinding poverty/ squalor, for absolute freedom.
It begins by overthrowing a terribly compromised mindset, dominated by deception and greed.
The confirmed issue or point is that Africa is a very rich continent but in spite of its riches, it has to a large extent depended on Europe, America and Asia to push its development prospects. If it is true that there is no free lunch, why are Africans desperately eating with both hands from potential oppressors?
INVESTMENTS
We are doing it in Zambia and may be unknowingly. Calling for investments but out of possible fear and desperation, we allowed ourselves to be “played” by a boastful individual businessman. But, there is a lesson in all this. Like it or not, before, Anglo undermined Zambia’s economic potential/ exploits seriously; to the point of reaching a zero option. A repeat; hell NO!
Conglomerates or multinationals are an example of what is called, “the Lords of poverty” by analysts. Anglo mined Zambian copper and continued to facilitate its export in its raw form and importantly; created jobs elsewhere. This is against the fact that Zambians continue to wallow in poverty and a drive or visit to the copper belt shows dull, disintegrating or abandoned structures of what could have been; as the new industry takes root in the largely virgin North-Western Province, once reported as the “Cinderella province of Zambia.”
POVERTY
Poverty has been grinding in Zambia because we missed the real power of development from the copper belt and I hope we do not miss it in the North-Western Province. God has given us a second chance and Zambians irrespective of political persuasion, must work and “push” the government to do the right thing so that we can kick out poverty.
In this, we must accept the weeds among us. Bo Sikota Wina, several years ago (at the beginning of the Third Republic), posed a metaphorical but deep question: “if a snake gets in your house, do you burn the house or smoke it out?”
The point is that there will always be citizens hell bent on making new found resources
failure. We must defeat these reactionary elements, who probably are “baptised in criminality” and “relatives” of doom.
You see, I have no quarrel with international solidarity as per practice or provided for by international law. It is just good practice that reflects the reality of global citizenship. The problem comes when we elevate such good gestures to state policy and embrace an entitlement mentality.
Nobody owes Africa or Zambia either an explanation or an obligation to deliver development. The most that can happen is as indicated earlier: international solidarity! Zambians must carry their burden, get rid of agents of doom; roll their sleeves and toil to kick out poverty. No one else will do it.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Here, I am guided by the morally powerful Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which though not legally binding is powerful, highly respected and set the pace for human rights activism as opposed to opportunism. It actually inspired the other legally binding documents which also talk about development in further and better expressive terms.
Unfortunately, (with emphasis) nothing compels any better resourced country to look after the poverty stricken countries. All the so-called Donor Nations give or dish out AID not out of compassion but a commitment to international solidarity and respective State policies and priorities. This must be commended, without mixing issues!
However, for countries like the United Kingdom, a lot more is expected. It must do more for its former colonies to stay true to issues of Transparency and Accountability. The same applies to others, wherever they were “colonial masters.”
But again, what you have is a scenario based on morality and charity (for this reason, lobbying and advocacy, are key). Truth be told, relying on morality and charity is extremely “porous” and tricky. The international community is not immune to rumour and falsehoods. Dynamics do indeed change, as evidenced by the outbreak of Covid-19!
CONCRETE DEVELOPMENT
Investments and Overseas Development Assistance does not bring about concrete development, but an introduction, which sometimes is unfortunately abused and resistant to accountability in a dual manner. (There are problems of Transparency and Accountability from both givers and receivers.
Who does not know that bilateral donors will ONLY open their doors of serious assistance, if you have a programme with the World Bank? What does this mean? Is this not neo-imperialism?
That said, we must move steadfast towards addressing the spirit of poverty dotted around in our homes and communities. How? When you commit not to create wealth or and when the creation of wealth is not institutionalised, the ugly face of poverty will be with us. It is my considered view that we must seize the current opportunity to reverse the problem of poverty.
In putting a strong case for consistency, the same reason why I supported President Edgar Lungu, is the same reason I supported the late Anderson Mazoka politically.
Mr Mazoka would say, “What is the point of wearing an expensive perfume when your surroundings are dirty.” President Lungu is on record as stating that “No one shall be left behind.”
The President has in more ways than one indicated that those clothed with legal powers to end certain unfortunate happenings, must do so because he will not go around saying “arrest this or that person.” I agree. We do not need a dictator for a President!
Let’s manage our benefits and burdens, without fear or favour. In my view, this is about respecting the rule of law and for that, any human rights defender or governance crusader, must salute the President for walking the talk.
Lest we lose sight of the issue for this article, it is all about being real and genuine in kicking out poverty. The problems with Transparency and Accountability have been articulated differently at many fora. What we need now than before, is action and this action cannot only be expected from the President. (The President has his own ball to play with and other office holders too have theirs).
We have a wonderful opportunity which is in the public domain. That is the importance of accountability regarding all the contributions in the fight against Covid-19. No doubt, the frontline senior government officials, who include the Apex Council of Ministers, have done a wonderful job and we must not withhold commendations!
That said, I am aware that when one occupies public office, their time belongs to the State. I am also aware that nobody is employed to do anything other than the requirements of the job. To that extent, it is only fair that we demand full accountability of all
DONATIONS TOWARDS COVID-19.
This call or demand does not point a finger at anybody. NO. All it does it to insist that relevant officials respond to the request or directive from Vice President Inonge Wina to publish the donations as a precursor to the imminent statutory audits.
I see no plausible reason for relevant controlling officers to wait to be queried by the Parliamentary Select Committee at the relevant time. This recommendation is in synch with the recent Presidential directive to minimise audit queries. There is absolutely no reason for the government to be its own enemy. Note that such a request does not in any way undermine the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. If anything, it strengthens it. It would greatly boost the confidence of the citizenry in the ability and commitment of government to manage donations.
ACCOUNTANT GENERAL
For purposes of emphasis, I am concerned about all the agencies or ministries that have received such donations. These entities have a full complement of Accountants, who report to the Accountant General. I doubt, if these technical staff too, are in the frontline of fighting the pandemic. Even if they are, the requirement of accounting is critical in this instance and all such similar instances.
We should not forget the two-pronged imperatives of Accountability, namely “delivery” and “process.” Briefly, the “delivery” bit is what the medical staff is doing. An extremely brilliant job! The “process” part is what the Permanent Secretaries in charge of administration must ensure is done. For this leg, we await performance.
Arresting the haemorrhage of public resources is a big step in fulfilling the Patriotic Front’s stand on pro-poor policies. Pro-poor policies do not mean allowing “poor people” to enrich themselves. The pro-poor policy represents distribution of the National Cake equitably. (There is a difference between equity and equality).
In other words, as a Party in power, there will be more eyes thrown at the operations of the PF. Unfortunately, this includes lies and falsehoods. When all is said and done, there is one thing the PF must do. It must not allow anybody to use it to “rape” Zambia. Kicking out, poverty calls for concerted efforts by all concerned. This is a national issue which does not render itself to partisan considerations. A Zambia, which is able to feed itself, a Zambia, which is largely self-contained, is what we need.