VIVA LA POST
It is complete madness that politicians, especially in the opposition would be busy calling for the muzzling of The Post (though they generalize it as the media).
It's shocking and disgusting that they have chosen to live political lives determined and driven by sheer opportunism. How come they have easily forgoten what state media has behaved all along. How come they have easily ignored the fact that state media has been there solely for the ruling party; the party and its government (PIG as it were). This state medid usually, and mainly covers the opposition when they denounce other opposition leaders.
Let all those well meaning politicians accept simple logic that they may tomorrow be on the other side of the fence. I mean, those that are in government today will be in opposition tomorrow and vice versa. Can Sakwiba tell the nation how much coverage he received from the public media before his campaign antics with Rupiah?
Let the politicians not under estimate our reasoning and intelligence as Zambians. Do they mean we can not choose between right and wrong? The Times of Zambia, The Daily Mail and ZNBC have faced difficulties in winning public confidence because of their lack of drive to be true mediums of the people. Where it not for the government grants they receive, they would not have come this far as they would have been declared not to be financially viable.
Sorting out The Post! Well, the right people to do this are not the politicians. The Zambian public will on their own sort out The Post. How? By simply stopping to buy copies when its reporting is considered insulting, injurous and irrelevant to our nation. Zambians will rise to the ocassion and do what is right, at the right time. At an opportune time. In the same way Zambians rejected UNIP in 1991, the third time in 2001 and the same way the Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces have clearly rejected the MMD in the 2006 and 2008 elections.
Zambians are smart enough to steer their own media direction. And that is why WE have stuck with The Post, because we know it is a people's paper.
Viva La Post!
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Our Zambia, Our Posterity
In all fairness, people that desire to lead others, to direct the affairs of the nation, must be of a higher standing. Beyond reproach.
A lot of pressing issues were raised concerning the conduct of a number of politicians especially those in goverment and their wings. Cases in point include the Police IG, Army Commander, Elections Director, Cabinet Ministers abusing public facilities to the benefit of political parties, etc.
Jane Adams once said, 'The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life'. Another wise man Clarence Darrow also said that 'You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free'. What this literary means is that those of us in authority must never look into their interests alone, but also consider the interests of even least man in the furtherst corners of our land. A note to our leaders is that whatever actions they take today will have a bearing on every Zambian tomorrow, young or old including their spouses and children. They need to ask, 'Will my actions today promote and advance a better Zambia?'
It is an open secret though with an exception of very few individuals, that the majority of the people in authority have showed us that their number 1 motivation in all they do is their pocket, their family, their job, their interest. While this may be disputed, my question is why then have our leaders ignored other stakeholders and pretended all is well. Do we want us to believe a ruling party can be removed due to their selfish ambitions of only wanting power and nothing else?
I seek answers to these questions:
1. Why did the ECZ stay mute in the reported rampant and open abuse of public resources?
2. Why was the ECZ so defensive, emotional and uptight whenever the public raised alarm on dishonesty over the handling of ballots?
3. Why was the ECZ so incosistent in releasing the results citing distance as the main factor?
4. Why did the ECZ allow voting to take place in some areas a day or two after election day?
5. Why has the ECZ and the Police been so quick to hide and protect individuals found wanting like in the case of the Presiding Officer in Munali?
6. How come the Anti Corruption and Police kept quiet when Mulongoti admitted to the 'donating' of money to another political party during election campaigns?
7. Why did Ephraim Mateyo and Isaac Chisuzi see it fit and justifiable to instil fear and intimidate Zambians prior to elections?
8. How come Mbita Chitala & Co. had the audacity to even suggest the margin by which they would win?
9. How come we had names missing from the electoral registers when we didn't have any voter registrations? This reeks of register doctoring.
Logically, the explanations being given in most of cases fall short of reason. Zambia will never boast of a genuine election again until respect for other players and stakeholders is upheld.
Let the powers that be work effectively to ensure transparency in our electoral system. Like the ECZ's motto which says, 'Endorsing Your Choice', let the voice of the masses speak as in 1991, without a trace of doubt.
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe.
A lot of pressing issues were raised concerning the conduct of a number of politicians especially those in goverment and their wings. Cases in point include the Police IG, Army Commander, Elections Director, Cabinet Ministers abusing public facilities to the benefit of political parties, etc.
Jane Adams once said, 'The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life'. Another wise man Clarence Darrow also said that 'You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free'. What this literary means is that those of us in authority must never look into their interests alone, but also consider the interests of even least man in the furtherst corners of our land. A note to our leaders is that whatever actions they take today will have a bearing on every Zambian tomorrow, young or old including their spouses and children. They need to ask, 'Will my actions today promote and advance a better Zambia?'
It is an open secret though with an exception of very few individuals, that the majority of the people in authority have showed us that their number 1 motivation in all they do is their pocket, their family, their job, their interest. While this may be disputed, my question is why then have our leaders ignored other stakeholders and pretended all is well. Do we want us to believe a ruling party can be removed due to their selfish ambitions of only wanting power and nothing else?
I seek answers to these questions:
1. Why did the ECZ stay mute in the reported rampant and open abuse of public resources?
2. Why was the ECZ so defensive, emotional and uptight whenever the public raised alarm on dishonesty over the handling of ballots?
3. Why was the ECZ so incosistent in releasing the results citing distance as the main factor?
4. Why did the ECZ allow voting to take place in some areas a day or two after election day?
5. Why has the ECZ and the Police been so quick to hide and protect individuals found wanting like in the case of the Presiding Officer in Munali?
6. How come the Anti Corruption and Police kept quiet when Mulongoti admitted to the 'donating' of money to another political party during election campaigns?
7. Why did Ephraim Mateyo and Isaac Chisuzi see it fit and justifiable to instil fear and intimidate Zambians prior to elections?
8. How come Mbita Chitala & Co. had the audacity to even suggest the margin by which they would win?
9. How come we had names missing from the electoral registers when we didn't have any voter registrations? This reeks of register doctoring.
Logically, the explanations being given in most of cases fall short of reason. Zambia will never boast of a genuine election again until respect for other players and stakeholders is upheld.
Let the powers that be work effectively to ensure transparency in our electoral system. Like the ECZ's motto which says, 'Endorsing Your Choice', let the voice of the masses speak as in 1991, without a trace of doubt.
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Zambian Elections 2008
What type of President do we need in Zambia and what type of parliament will ensure prosperity?
Firstly, all MPs must be mature enough to support any progressive move or bill in parliament, to the benefit of all Zambians not just a party, individual or family tree. One way parliament can avoid being simply a rubber-stamp is by having a truly mixed parliament. The issue of a minority President must not therefore arise. A few educated, and some priviledged Zambians, are being pessimistic, instilling fear by saying a party needs a majority in parliament to govern! Supposing Rupiah Bwezani Banda became Republican President. What guarantee do we have that Rupiah will manage tn appease his party bosses and tow their party line? Mind you, Rupiah has no hold on the MMD, he's just a Trustee. So the same instability people are claiming will dominate parliament if Michael Chilufya Sata or Hakainde Hichilema is elected can still be there if Rupiah wins. I have in mind the Thabo Mbeki and the A.N.C. led Jacob Zuma situation. I personally think Rupiah is a bigger risk to stagnate goverment because he can easily be fired by the MMD if his UNIPist attributes begin to show up.
The second issue is the 'legacy'. Can someone out there please explain to me what Mwanawasa's legacy is! For me, a legacy is when someone does an extraordinary and unprecedented work, going out of the way to do the unusual is what creates a legacy. Is it because of the Chembe bridge or Lumwana and Kansanshi mines? Let us all not forget that being Republican President requires one to hold fort and keep the country running. In this case Zambia. Let's face it, and accept! Mwanawasa had no tangible campaign platform in 2001. The only thing he talked about was 'continuity with change'. The corruption crusade was just something he stumbled upon after he got to Plot 1. Have we Zambians chosen to practice selective amnesia by choosing to forget certain things simply for convinience? Or by pretending that Mwanawasa was an angel? A saint? He did both good and bad! Didn't Mwanawasa practice corruption (nepotism) by appointing his relatives and party cadres to important public offices which they neither deserved nor were qualified for. If anything, Zambia has never been Mwanawasa's private property like Teka Farms to be inherited by his family, sympathisers or even MMD cadres. I urge all well meaning Zambians to turn out on 30 October 2008 and vote for a leader that shall never stagnate Zambia. This should not simply be about Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Patriotic Front (PF) or United Party for National Development (UPND).
Dr. Frederick Chiluba did the beautiful Katima Mulilo bridge work, opened up the transport sector and now our roads are even jammed, HIPC started under FTJ's tenure, economy liberalisation, home ownership, etc.
Dr. Kenneth Kaunda did the longest bridge in Africa at Mukuku, schools, hospitals, universities, colleges, township road network, etc.
These honourable statesmen did all this work because it was their time. Let the next President do the work that suits our current time. Needs and expectations are ever evolving. Global and national economies are ever dynamic and so our needs as Zambians today are different from 2001, 1991 or 1964. Let the wise perceive!
Thirdly, the next President should not be anywhere near, or similar to Mwanawasa. No two people will perform equally in the same way that no two people's DNA are the same. It must just be someone who has the nation at heart and shall do it right - constitutionally. This means therefore that personality and character is an issue that must never be divorced from the elections. Jesus Christ once said, 'You shall know them by their fruit'. This literary means that a person's work rate and output is determined by their character, their personality. It's the underlying passion that propels an individual to perform. Look at Barak Obama-Joe Biden and John McCain-Sarah Palin partnerships. An individuals track record speaks volumes on who a person actually is. Whatever one has achieved or failed to achieve. 'A man is judged for what they accomplish and not for what they start'. One should only aspire for public office because they have performed well in any past public office assignment.
I rest my case!
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe.
Firstly, all MPs must be mature enough to support any progressive move or bill in parliament, to the benefit of all Zambians not just a party, individual or family tree. One way parliament can avoid being simply a rubber-stamp is by having a truly mixed parliament. The issue of a minority President must not therefore arise. A few educated, and some priviledged Zambians, are being pessimistic, instilling fear by saying a party needs a majority in parliament to govern! Supposing Rupiah Bwezani Banda became Republican President. What guarantee do we have that Rupiah will manage tn appease his party bosses and tow their party line? Mind you, Rupiah has no hold on the MMD, he's just a Trustee. So the same instability people are claiming will dominate parliament if Michael Chilufya Sata or Hakainde Hichilema is elected can still be there if Rupiah wins. I have in mind the Thabo Mbeki and the A.N.C. led Jacob Zuma situation. I personally think Rupiah is a bigger risk to stagnate goverment because he can easily be fired by the MMD if his UNIPist attributes begin to show up.
The second issue is the 'legacy'. Can someone out there please explain to me what Mwanawasa's legacy is! For me, a legacy is when someone does an extraordinary and unprecedented work, going out of the way to do the unusual is what creates a legacy. Is it because of the Chembe bridge or Lumwana and Kansanshi mines? Let us all not forget that being Republican President requires one to hold fort and keep the country running. In this case Zambia. Let's face it, and accept! Mwanawasa had no tangible campaign platform in 2001. The only thing he talked about was 'continuity with change'. The corruption crusade was just something he stumbled upon after he got to Plot 1. Have we Zambians chosen to practice selective amnesia by choosing to forget certain things simply for convinience? Or by pretending that Mwanawasa was an angel? A saint? He did both good and bad! Didn't Mwanawasa practice corruption (nepotism) by appointing his relatives and party cadres to important public offices which they neither deserved nor were qualified for. If anything, Zambia has never been Mwanawasa's private property like Teka Farms to be inherited by his family, sympathisers or even MMD cadres. I urge all well meaning Zambians to turn out on 30 October 2008 and vote for a leader that shall never stagnate Zambia. This should not simply be about Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Patriotic Front (PF) or United Party for National Development (UPND).
Dr. Frederick Chiluba did the beautiful Katima Mulilo bridge work, opened up the transport sector and now our roads are even jammed, HIPC started under FTJ's tenure, economy liberalisation, home ownership, etc.
Dr. Kenneth Kaunda did the longest bridge in Africa at Mukuku, schools, hospitals, universities, colleges, township road network, etc.
These honourable statesmen did all this work because it was their time. Let the next President do the work that suits our current time. Needs and expectations are ever evolving. Global and national economies are ever dynamic and so our needs as Zambians today are different from 2001, 1991 or 1964. Let the wise perceive!
Thirdly, the next President should not be anywhere near, or similar to Mwanawasa. No two people will perform equally in the same way that no two people's DNA are the same. It must just be someone who has the nation at heart and shall do it right - constitutionally. This means therefore that personality and character is an issue that must never be divorced from the elections. Jesus Christ once said, 'You shall know them by their fruit'. This literary means that a person's work rate and output is determined by their character, their personality. It's the underlying passion that propels an individual to perform. Look at Barak Obama-Joe Biden and John McCain-Sarah Palin partnerships. An individuals track record speaks volumes on who a person actually is. Whatever one has achieved or failed to achieve. 'A man is judged for what they accomplish and not for what they start'. One should only aspire for public office because they have performed well in any past public office assignment.
I rest my case!
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe.
NEWS COVERAGE ON ZNBC TV
It is regretable that in this time and age, our national TV does not value the importance of fair coverage especially in an election period. This they (ZNBC) must realise that Zambia needs a President sold and accepted by the majority of Zambians. This can, and should be done by ZNBC taking on an objective role of informing the electorate of what the candidates are basing their campaigns on. When Zambians pay TV Licences, it is beyond affiliations and so must be given a variety of news.
An example of how ZNBC TV carries its news items is as follows in order of presentation. This is before the 1st Commercial Break.
1. Rupiah Banda - 2 items
2. Vernon Mwaanga on RB - 1 item
3. Edith Nawakwi on RB - 1 item
4. Ronnie Shikapwasha on RB - 1 item
5. Michael Mabenga on RB - 1 item
6. PF & UPND on campaigns - 1 item
7. Kalomo & Petauke election materials' distribution
8. ECZ's Chris Akufuna on polling station guidelines.
The above scenario is a tip of what has characterised our TV news time on ZNBC Main News of 25th October 2008. This gave Rupiah (MMD) 66%, Sata (PF) 06%, HH (UPND) and Electoral Commission 22%. This meant that Miyanda (HP) had no coverage whatsoever.
Let posterity judge our, 'it will show when you pay' station.
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe
An example of how ZNBC TV carries its news items is as follows in order of presentation. This is before the 1st Commercial Break.
1. Rupiah Banda - 2 items
2. Vernon Mwaanga on RB - 1 item
3. Edith Nawakwi on RB - 1 item
4. Ronnie Shikapwasha on RB - 1 item
5. Michael Mabenga on RB - 1 item
6. PF & UPND on campaigns - 1 item
7. Kalomo & Petauke election materials' distribution
8. ECZ's Chris Akufuna on polling station guidelines.
The above scenario is a tip of what has characterised our TV news time on ZNBC Main News of 25th October 2008. This gave Rupiah (MMD) 66%, Sata (PF) 06%, HH (UPND) and Electoral Commission 22%. This meant that Miyanda (HP) had no coverage whatsoever.
Let posterity judge our, 'it will show when you pay' station.
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe
Friday, October 3, 2008
Abuse Of Public Resources By The MMD and Rupiah Banda
Power is indeed very sweet and blinding. How come the MMD have
continued violating electoral rules with such impunity, carelessness.
Stubborn as they seem to be, can't the powers that be take appropriate
measures and curb this evil of looting public resources. Why should we
even waste our time by going to the polls when it is clearly visible
that one candidate has an advantage over others?
We have seen from The Post newspaper edition of Friday 03 October 2008
how government arms have been compromised. Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and
Zambia Police Service (ZP) have been pictured providing a service to
RB and his MMD bootlickers while providing a diservice to the entire
nation. Can Mulongoti and Tetamashimba justify this abuse of ZAF
choppers and ZP truck.
How long shall the Electoral Commission of Zambia remain quiet? Am now
tempted to it's actually the Electoral Commission of the MMD. Do we
honestly expect Ephraim Mateyo and his team to effectively enforce the
law when they are actively aiding law breakers? Is the ZAF leadership
so blind as not to differentiate between government and party
activities? Lesa fye umwine atwafwe!
My worry is, what would become of Zambia if RB were to win?How much
abuse would we see if he can grossly abuse government resources in his
current acting capacity?
continued violating electoral rules with such impunity, carelessness.
Stubborn as they seem to be, can't the powers that be take appropriate
measures and curb this evil of looting public resources. Why should we
even waste our time by going to the polls when it is clearly visible
that one candidate has an advantage over others?
We have seen from The Post newspaper edition of Friday 03 October 2008
how government arms have been compromised. Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and
Zambia Police Service (ZP) have been pictured providing a service to
RB and his MMD bootlickers while providing a diservice to the entire
nation. Can Mulongoti and Tetamashimba justify this abuse of ZAF
choppers and ZP truck.
How long shall the Electoral Commission of Zambia remain quiet? Am now
tempted to it's actually the Electoral Commission of the MMD. Do we
honestly expect Ephraim Mateyo and his team to effectively enforce the
law when they are actively aiding law breakers? Is the ZAF leadership
so blind as not to differentiate between government and party
activities? Lesa fye umwine atwafwe!
My worry is, what would become of Zambia if RB were to win?How much
abuse would we see if he can grossly abuse government resources in his
current acting capacity?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Chelsea FC, The Team Everyones Loves To Hate
There is only one that interests me in the English Premier League, and that is Chelsea. I enjoy the teams mentality and philosophy of never giving up. Even when it seems impossible, and unimaginable, the team has risen to the occassion made me proud.
A lot of people all over the world love to hate Chelsea. Is it because of Roman Abramovich? Or is it its gem collection of star players?
Tribute to the past and present Chelsea FC staff and players. The pre-Roman era will of course include Rudd Gullit, Gianluca Viali & Claudio Ranieri as some that made a mark. The Roman era began with Ranieri, the came the charismatic 'Special One' Jose Mourinho. Oh, then came the colourless Avram Grant. Right now, the mantle is with 'Big Phil', Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Am betting on Chelsea being serious contenders, if not winners of the Carling Cup, the FA Cup, the Barclays Premiership and the elusive UEFA Champions League.
Mark my words and give me feedback in May 2009.
By the way, the other European club I support is the La Liga champion Real Madrid FC, the 'Galacticos'.
Finally, my local childhood club is Mighty Mufulira Wanderers Football Club. This literary translates to me being a proud supporter of my Zambia National Soccer Team, the Chipolopolo Boys. Till death do us part.
A lot of people all over the world love to hate Chelsea. Is it because of Roman Abramovich? Or is it its gem collection of star players?
Tribute to the past and present Chelsea FC staff and players. The pre-Roman era will of course include Rudd Gullit, Gianluca Viali & Claudio Ranieri as some that made a mark. The Roman era began with Ranieri, the came the charismatic 'Special One' Jose Mourinho. Oh, then came the colourless Avram Grant. Right now, the mantle is with 'Big Phil', Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Am betting on Chelsea being serious contenders, if not winners of the Carling Cup, the FA Cup, the Barclays Premiership and the elusive UEFA Champions League.
Mark my words and give me feedback in May 2009.
By the way, the other European club I support is the La Liga champion Real Madrid FC, the 'Galacticos'.
Finally, my local childhood club is Mighty Mufulira Wanderers Football Club. This literary translates to me being a proud supporter of my Zambia National Soccer Team, the Chipolopolo Boys. Till death do us part.
Monday, September 29, 2008
VOTE MICHAEL SATA
Michael Sata is mover and a shaker. No one shall fight for the cause of the poor Zambian.
His message has been labelled empty rhetoric. But this can only be proved if he is voted into power but fails to perform.
The Patriotic Front's socialist stance is what we need right. We equally need to share all the wealth and poverty there is in Zambia. The MMD capitalist approach has increasingly widened the gap between the rich and the poor.
We have been disappointed by the rest, it's now time for the best! Amaka, mu bwato!
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe - Zambia
His message has been labelled empty rhetoric. But this can only be proved if he is voted into power but fails to perform.
The Patriotic Front's socialist stance is what we need right. We equally need to share all the wealth and poverty there is in Zambia. The MMD capitalist approach has increasingly widened the gap between the rich and the poor.
We have been disappointed by the rest, it's now time for the best! Amaka, mu bwato!
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe - Zambia
SENSELESS POLITICS!
What type of President do we need in Zambia and what type of parliament will ensure prosperity?
Firstly, all MPs must be mature enough to support any progressive move or bill in parliament, to the benefit of all Zambians not just a party, individual or family tree. One way parliament can avoid being simply a rubber-stamp is by having a truly mixed parliament. The issue of a minority President must not therefore arise. A few educated, and some priviledged Zambians, are being pessimistic, instilling fear by saying a party needs a majority in parliament to govern! Supposing Rupiah Bwezani Banda became Republican President. What guarantee do we have that Rupiah will manage tn appease his party bosses and tow their party line? Mind you, Rupiah has no hold on the MMD, he's just a Trustee. So the same instability people are claiming will dominate parliament if Michael Chilufya Sata or Hakainde Hichilema is elected can still be there if Rupiah wins. I have in mind the Thabo Mbeki and the A.N.C. led Jacob Zuma situation. I personally think Rupiah is a bigger risk to stagnate goverment because he can easily be fired by the MMD if his UNIPist attributes begin to show up.
The second issue is the 'legacy'. Can someone out there please explain to me what Mwanawasa's legacy is! For me, a legacy is when someone does an extraordinary and unprecedented work, going out of the way to do the unusual is what creates a legacy. Is it because of the Chembe bridge or Lumwana and Kansanshi mines? Let us all not forget that being Republican President requires one to hold fort and keep the country running. In this case Zambia. Let's face it, and accept! Mwanawasa had no tangible campaign platform in 2001. The only thing he talked about was 'continuity with change'. The corruption crusade was just something he stumbled upon after he got to Plot 1. Have we Zambians chosen to practice selective amnesia by choosing to forget certain things simply for convinience? Or by pretending that Mwanawasa was an angel? A saint? He did both good and bad! Didn't Mwanawasa practice corruption (nepotism) by appointing his relatives and party cadres to important public offices which they neither deserved nor were qualified for. If anything, Zambia has never been Mwanawasa's private property like Teka Farms to be inherited by his family, sympathisers or even MMD cadres. I urge all well meaning Zambians to turn out on 30 October 2008 and vote for a leader that shall never stagnate Zambia. This should not simply be about Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Patriotic Front (PF) or United Party for National Development (UPND).
Dr. Frederick Chiluba did the beautiful Katima Mulilo bridge work, opened up the transport sector and now our roads are even jammed, HIPC started under FTJ's tenure, economy liberalisation, home ownership, etc.
Dr. Kenneth Kaunda did the longest bridge in Africa at Mukuku, schools, hospitals, universities, colleges, township road network, etc.
These honourable statesmen did all this work because it was their time. Let the next President do the work that suits our current time. Needs and expectations are ever evolving. Global and national economies are ever dynamic and so our needs as Zambians today are different from 2001, 1991 or 1964. Let the wise perceive!
Thirdly, the next President should not be anywhere near, or similar to Mwanawasa. No two people will perform equally in the same way that no two people's DNA are the same. It must just be someone who has the nation at heart and shall do it right - constitutionally. This means therefore that personality and character is an issue that must never be divorced from the elections. Jesus Christ once said, 'You shall know them by their fruit'. This literary means that a person's work rate and output is determined by their character, their personality. It's the underlying passion that propels an individual to perform. Look at Barak Obama-Joe Biden and John McCain-Sarah Palin partnerships. An individuals track record speaks volumes on who a person actually is. Whatever one has achieved or failed to achieve. 'A man is judged for what they accomplish and not for what they start'. One should only aspire for public office because they have performed well in any past public office assignment.
I rest my case!
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe.
Firstly, all MPs must be mature enough to support any progressive move or bill in parliament, to the benefit of all Zambians not just a party, individual or family tree. One way parliament can avoid being simply a rubber-stamp is by having a truly mixed parliament. The issue of a minority President must not therefore arise. A few educated, and some priviledged Zambians, are being pessimistic, instilling fear by saying a party needs a majority in parliament to govern! Supposing Rupiah Bwezani Banda became Republican President. What guarantee do we have that Rupiah will manage tn appease his party bosses and tow their party line? Mind you, Rupiah has no hold on the MMD, he's just a Trustee. So the same instability people are claiming will dominate parliament if Michael Chilufya Sata or Hakainde Hichilema is elected can still be there if Rupiah wins. I have in mind the Thabo Mbeki and the A.N.C. led Jacob Zuma situation. I personally think Rupiah is a bigger risk to stagnate goverment because he can easily be fired by the MMD if his UNIPist attributes begin to show up.
The second issue is the 'legacy'. Can someone out there please explain to me what Mwanawasa's legacy is! For me, a legacy is when someone does an extraordinary and unprecedented work, going out of the way to do the unusual is what creates a legacy. Is it because of the Chembe bridge or Lumwana and Kansanshi mines? Let us all not forget that being Republican President requires one to hold fort and keep the country running. In this case Zambia. Let's face it, and accept! Mwanawasa had no tangible campaign platform in 2001. The only thing he talked about was 'continuity with change'. The corruption crusade was just something he stumbled upon after he got to Plot 1. Have we Zambians chosen to practice selective amnesia by choosing to forget certain things simply for convinience? Or by pretending that Mwanawasa was an angel? A saint? He did both good and bad! Didn't Mwanawasa practice corruption (nepotism) by appointing his relatives and party cadres to important public offices which they neither deserved nor were qualified for. If anything, Zambia has never been Mwanawasa's private property like Teka Farms to be inherited by his family, sympathisers or even MMD cadres. I urge all well meaning Zambians to turn out on 30 October 2008 and vote for a leader that shall never stagnate Zambia. This should not simply be about Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Patriotic Front (PF) or United Party for National Development (UPND).
Dr. Frederick Chiluba did the beautiful Katima Mulilo bridge work, opened up the transport sector and now our roads are even jammed, HIPC started under FTJ's tenure, economy liberalisation, home ownership, etc.
Dr. Kenneth Kaunda did the longest bridge in Africa at Mukuku, schools, hospitals, universities, colleges, township road network, etc.
These honourable statesmen did all this work because it was their time. Let the next President do the work that suits our current time. Needs and expectations are ever evolving. Global and national economies are ever dynamic and so our needs as Zambians today are different from 2001, 1991 or 1964. Let the wise perceive!
Thirdly, the next President should not be anywhere near, or similar to Mwanawasa. No two people will perform equally in the same way that no two people's DNA are the same. It must just be someone who has the nation at heart and shall do it right - constitutionally. This means therefore that personality and character is an issue that must never be divorced from the elections. Jesus Christ once said, 'You shall know them by their fruit'. This literary means that a person's work rate and output is determined by their character, their personality. It's the underlying passion that propels an individual to perform. Look at Barak Obama-Joe Biden and John McCain-Sarah Palin partnerships. An individuals track record speaks volumes on who a person actually is. Whatever one has achieved or failed to achieve. 'A man is judged for what they accomplish and not for what they start'. One should only aspire for public office because they have performed well in any past public office assignment.
I rest my case!
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe.
WHY RUPIAH BANDA MUST NEVER BE PRESIDENT OF ZAMBIA
In my deepest of thoughts, I have one conviction, Rupiah Banda and his clan of vultures, th MMD should not, at any cost be given power in Zambia. I know a few people out there don't want to agree with simply because they have a right. The same right Rupiah and Mike Mulongoti wants to take away by fighting The Post newspaper and QFM radio.
They are also greedy and self-centred by trying to award themselves hefty salaries/allowances inconsiderate of all Zambians.
They are corrupt as shown at Vulamukolo village in the famous 'Sugar Daddy' episode. They want to capitalise on poverty by initiating the 'food for votes' programme. This is the 'Vulamukologate scandal'.
They also want to buy leadership by bribing spineless politicians like Dr. Cozmo Mumba with K15.0m. I wonder how much they have spent on having traditional chiefs by their side. I also wonder what they would say if chiefs openly backed Michael Sata.
Rupiah is tribal by soliciting for votes based on his ethinicity - the Eastern Province.
He lied on the time he joined the MMD. Its an open secret that the old man is still UNIP at heart.
He has regrouped with people were fired from government a while ago, i.e. Mbita Chitala, George Chulumanda and Vernon Mwaanga.
He is also surrounded by well senior party cadres, Messrs George Kunda, George Mpombo, Mike Mulongoti and Ben Tetamashimba who can no longer be trusted by Zambians.
Rupiah has no hold on the MMD, his sponsors. This could lead to another by-election.
His aspiration for State House has been a matter of coincidence. He has never, in his own right, talked about his presidential ambitions. Were it not for Levy Mwanawasa, he would still be in Chipata sweating on the farm.
As a matter of fact, he can not stand for Presidency because he was born in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). This is according to our Zambian Constitution.
Am out!
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe - Zambia.
They are also greedy and self-centred by trying to award themselves hefty salaries/allowances inconsiderate of all Zambians.
They are corrupt as shown at Vulamukolo village in the famous 'Sugar Daddy' episode. They want to capitalise on poverty by initiating the 'food for votes' programme. This is the 'Vulamukologate scandal'.
They also want to buy leadership by bribing spineless politicians like Dr. Cozmo Mumba with K15.0m. I wonder how much they have spent on having traditional chiefs by their side. I also wonder what they would say if chiefs openly backed Michael Sata.
Rupiah is tribal by soliciting for votes based on his ethinicity - the Eastern Province.
He lied on the time he joined the MMD. Its an open secret that the old man is still UNIP at heart.
He has regrouped with people were fired from government a while ago, i.e. Mbita Chitala, George Chulumanda and Vernon Mwaanga.
He is also surrounded by well senior party cadres, Messrs George Kunda, George Mpombo, Mike Mulongoti and Ben Tetamashimba who can no longer be trusted by Zambians.
Rupiah has no hold on the MMD, his sponsors. This could lead to another by-election.
His aspiration for State House has been a matter of coincidence. He has never, in his own right, talked about his presidential ambitions. Were it not for Levy Mwanawasa, he would still be in Chipata sweating on the farm.
As a matter of fact, he can not stand for Presidency because he was born in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). This is according to our Zambian Constitution.
Am out!
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe - Zambia.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Political Misjudgement
I sincerely wish to add my voice to the succession talks that have filled our media since the passing away of our Republican President Dr. Levy Mwanawasa.
Firstly, I want to dispute is that has been propagated by especially traditional leaders and some other organisations. It seems as though this is just an MMD election alone. What is being said is that, 'the MMD must replace Levy with a person of like mind and character.' My question is, why can't our chiefs and everyone else broaden the catchment by also considering the opposition? And why has the MMD kept quiet over such utterances? Would Mulongoti and company kept quiet if the chiefs had rallied behind an opposition candidate?
Secondly, why should the nation be made to think that the late Mwanawasa's preference of any individual be considered perfect, flawless and infallible? Why should the system of handpicking a successor be immortalised now when it was grossly comdemned under FTJ? Is this a suggestion that any decision made by a deceased person must be deemed right? Why then has this hypocritical clan of Levy loyalists disobeyed Levy on his wish to be buried at Palabana? All those calling on the nation to 'obey and respect' Levy's perceived choice of a successor are doing things with motives and agendas only known to themselves! How come the same people that extended the period of national mourning could not now wait for Levy's burial before they start campaigning. It's only African and morally right to discuss succession after burial. It even amazes much more that the former first lady could not wait for a better time, atleast after so that she could say what she thought to be said. Is she an interested party in the direction the MMD NEC will take? Time will surely tell!
Thirdly, confusion in the MMD must not be shifted on the nation. Zambians are naturally peaceful despite being too emotional at times. Zambians across the world are united without question. What we see happening in the MMD is as result of the party lacking internal democracy. How can a party of the MMD's magnitude stay for years without a Vice President? Was the entire too scared to raise this issue?
Lastly, I would like to request The Post newspaper and other media institutions to tone down on the issue of the MMD succession to avoid swaying the impending decisions because you are opinion leaders. This will definitely not allow for an impartial NEC decision, and consequently, the coming elections.
Long live Zambia, the land of the proud and free!
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe - Zambia.
Firstly, I want to dispute is that has been propagated by especially traditional leaders and some other organisations. It seems as though this is just an MMD election alone. What is being said is that, 'the MMD must replace Levy with a person of like mind and character.' My question is, why can't our chiefs and everyone else broaden the catchment by also considering the opposition? And why has the MMD kept quiet over such utterances? Would Mulongoti and company kept quiet if the chiefs had rallied behind an opposition candidate?
Secondly, why should the nation be made to think that the late Mwanawasa's preference of any individual be considered perfect, flawless and infallible? Why should the system of handpicking a successor be immortalised now when it was grossly comdemned under FTJ? Is this a suggestion that any decision made by a deceased person must be deemed right? Why then has this hypocritical clan of Levy loyalists disobeyed Levy on his wish to be buried at Palabana? All those calling on the nation to 'obey and respect' Levy's perceived choice of a successor are doing things with motives and agendas only known to themselves! How come the same people that extended the period of national mourning could not now wait for Levy's burial before they start campaigning. It's only African and morally right to discuss succession after burial. It even amazes much more that the former first lady could not wait for a better time, atleast after so that she could say what she thought to be said. Is she an interested party in the direction the MMD NEC will take? Time will surely tell!
Thirdly, confusion in the MMD must not be shifted on the nation. Zambians are naturally peaceful despite being too emotional at times. Zambians across the world are united without question. What we see happening in the MMD is as result of the party lacking internal democracy. How can a party of the MMD's magnitude stay for years without a Vice President? Was the entire too scared to raise this issue?
Lastly, I would like to request The Post newspaper and other media institutions to tone down on the issue of the MMD succession to avoid swaying the impending decisions because you are opinion leaders. This will definitely not allow for an impartial NEC decision, and consequently, the coming elections.
Long live Zambia, the land of the proud and free!
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe - Zambia.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
My Profile
I was born on the 23 October 1977. Am married to Kulali (Kurai) Zulu and blessed with a son named Mpoyaluna Mwale who was born on the 21 September 2007. Kurai was born on 27 September 1982. She is currently working as a Registered Nurse.
Am a trained school teacher with diverse experience in development work in health (HIV/AIDS).
My interests include teaching, music, theatre and sport.
Am a trained school teacher with diverse experience in development work in health (HIV/AIDS).
My interests include teaching, music, theatre and sport.
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