June 26, 2016
For the siren call to equality, truth and justice in Zambia
By Munyonzwe Hamalengwa, PH.D.
The New York Times of Sunday June 26, 2016 has an excellent article about the successes and pointed failures of the Barack Obama Presidency in the United States particularly in relation to Black-themed issues of racism, violence, poverty, diversity in appointments and Justice. The article urges for a principled rather than unprincipled criticism of the Presidency. It argues that Obama was treading just a little touch too too careful on confronting the ills of Black America, but that on balance he did somewhat a grudgingly commendable job but here it is: he could have done more.
The article though it deals with America is very instructive in reference to Zambian politics. Every President must speak out for the most vulnerable and less represented in society regardless of the consequences when it is appropriate. He must balance the unbalanced. He must promote diversity. He must address the issues of the shanty compounds. He must address rural poverty. He must look at who has been historically underrepresented in Ministerial, parastatal, foreign affairs, police, military, governmental and other positions and postings, without fear or favour. This opportunity comes once in a million years. The poor have never been represented despite the mantra of the PF government. You don’t have to take my word. You just have to visit for example, Kanyama and Kalingalinga. A few paved roads here and there is not the answer. Don’t get me wrong. Roads are very important in the imperative of development. What are the priorities? Poor people can’t eat roads. People poor can’t sleep on paved roads. Poor people can’t drink paved roads. People in shanty compounds need proper housing, they need clean running water, they need electricity, they need affordable food and health facilities. There is violence there. People there need security.
The priorities of the agricultural communities in rural communities have never been addressed. Roads have fallen apart after being built during the colonial era. Schools are dilapidated. Windows in most class rooms are shattered. Teachers still sleep in houses built in the fifties and sixties . There are no medical clinics for vast distances. There is no electricity . Running water is not available. Rural communities cannot afford to buy the expensive fertilizers and farm implements.
The poor in rural and urban areas are subjected to delayed and selective justice. The criminally charged need speedy and just justice. The imprisoned need less crowded and humane facilities.
The interests of women and particularly young girls must be promoted and protected. Women must be appointed to positions of power. They represent slightly over half of the population but this is not reflected in power positions.
One of the hardest realities and most difficult issue to deal with but which has to be confronted justly and fairly by the new President is the issue of tribal diversity and representation. This issue cannot be swept under the table for fearing to upset the apple cart of entitlement and the wielders of power and the powers-that-be. For a complete picture of this issue and more, please read the book by Charles Mwewa entitled, Allergic to Corruption: The Legacy of Michael Sata. There are no Ambassadors and military generals, ZAF, Police, Judiciary from some tribes and regions. A token few are now there. What is more important is the historical truth and pattern. A raft of recent Constitutional and Court of Appeal judges have just been appointed but certain regions and tribes are missing. This is no propaganda, it is a fact of life. This has to be balanced out while looking for the most qualified from all areas and tribes.
The President must not fear reverse accusation. As long as he knows what he is doing, any criticism for doing the right thing to balance historical imbalances, will fail. The Presidency is not for the weak and faint of heart. The President is the President of all Zambia and not for regions or tribes. He must leverage his powers for the benefit of all regions and tribes, of the rural and urban areas, of young and old, of men and women, of Christians and non- Christians, from eastern to western ends and from southern to northern ends of this great country.
However the first priorities of any new President should be the upgrading of the shanty compounds and rural areas. All tribes are mixed in shanty compounds. All tribes will benefit. The conditions there apply to all tribes. The people of the shanty compounds and rural areas are the people whom the independence bonanza has left out. Balancing out must be informed by the unshakable bedrocks of equality, truth and justice. Only in equality in economics and politics for all will this country move forward.
Dr. Munyonzwe Hamalengwa teaches law at Zambian Open University