Who is precipitating tension and bitterness in the country?

Dear Editor,

ON Friday, May 7, I was on a bus heading to Mtendere for an engagement meeting with Mr. Justin Chola who is our Senior Manager of Administration for MPNVP.

I was astounded and shocked overhearing a gentleman seated in front of the minibus speaking so maliciously and disparagingly against the newly constructed overbridge at Longacres.

I would not like reciting his sentiments. A few others joined in the discussion until I came in with some positive aspects. I tried to hold and contain my views but could not manage. I breathed a sigh of relief when many others qualified my positive outlook on matters contrary to the bitter sentiments of the gentleman.

Over the years, life has taught me to be a liberal person. I am a humorous gentleman full of enthusiasm and glamour. Where ever I go, I want to contribute positively in enhancing the lives of others.

Life is too short. We only live for a few years. Many times we focus on the evils and wickedness that has abounded. We are always listening to alarming and sad news.

We are overwhelmed with life’s challenges and anxieties. At least we need to find time reflecting and pondering on good things. Rather than occupying ourselves discussing negative aspects of life, we need to learn the secret of counting our blessings. Our conversations must be uplifting, soothing, thrilling, intriguing, up building and encouraging.

I used to be a short tempered person. I had terrible moods and I could get irritated so easily. While I remain a candid person, life has taught me to be patient and gentle towards others. I was a dogmatic and egocentric person.

I had some dictatorial qualities. I was also hasty and wanted my views to be taken. I was over righteous and lacked patience. I used to be a bully and lacked considerations when dealing with others.

I have cultivated wonderful attributes that I never had in the past. In the end, I may end up thanking people that accused me. Trials are for our good often times.

I spent nights in police custody for the first time in my life. I smelt death and vanity of life. Instantly I found myself accounting for what I did not know. I stood accused and appeared before court several times. Eventually I learnt obedience from the sufferings I went through.

Upon finding myself in the midst of hard core criminals, thugs, heavy smokers, sarcastic and terrible people, I was moulded into a honourable vessel. I was appointed a Priest in the police holding cell.

My assignment was to conduct prayers and advising my fellows. I conducted lectures on how to be better persons in the society. Little did I know that the situation I found myself in was enough orientation meant to train me into a better person.

For about seven months, I learnt how to speak to people in authority. I cultivated insight, discernment, discretion and tact. I have learnt diplomacy at a higher level. I have learnt the art of being tactful. I know WHAT to say, WHEN to say something, WHICH to say and HOW to say something.

They say “Society is the best teacher.” I feel I’m better than a graduate from a Law school. Life has exposed me to different scenarios. I mingle with everyone be it a street kid, a kaponya, a clergyman, a politician, a farmer, a marketeer or anybody with high status. I become whoever I wish. I can fit into any category. I can perform any job in life as long as I’m able to put food on the table.

I have no time for complaining. I accept any situation that comes along and nothing is alarming and strange to me. On July 31, I graduated into a “National adviser” and was ripe to open up an NGO meant to promote national values and principles.

I shudder at people who speak disrespectfully. I get perplexed whenever I hear many people speaking injuriously about the development our country has recorded. Honestly speaking, our country has recorded success in different ways.

We have numerous good things that have been done and accomplished by the government. We need to be grateful. The country is never the same. Even our own livelihood has improved. We never imagined having a wide and flamboyant road like Independence Avenue from Kafue Roundabout in Lusaka! I am not a Patriotic Front surrogate but a patriotic Zambian brought up from a humble family. My parents inculcated in me the need to respect all the elderly people, authorities and the Government.

Granted, there will never be any human Government that will meet all needs of mankind. There is no Government on earth even in Switzerland one of the richest nations in the world, some people contend with difficulties and challenges.

Powerful nations like the United States have street kids as well. Even shanty compounds are there called “Ghettos.” Unemployment affects all nations except levels vary.

Shortages of clean water is a global problem. Infectious diseases and pandemics are everywhere. Violence, uprisings, protests/demonstrations, genocide, homicide, corruption, nepotism, fraud, cyber crime, witchcraft and spiritism, food shortages, inflation, theft, malnutrition, divorces, strikes, poor conditions of services and deprivation of the plight of workers have engulfed every country. No one is spared from life’s challenges.

Only God’s kingdom will bring permanent relief and solutions to our sufferings! Human Governments only provide temporal measures meant to alleviate the sufferings of the people. Take note of the fact that to alleviate is not to end.

Today, May 12, parliament will be dissolved and candidates participating in the August 12, 2021 would intensify their campaigns to woo voters. Let us all view contending politicians with a literal eye and avoid looking to them as “promised messiahs.”