It always dismays me at the way we Africans operate based on our flawed perceptions. I also wonder at the double standards displayed by our African leaders. I seem not to be so certain of what surprises are held in store for Africa especially that the African Union (AU).
In Zimbabwe, the AU (and SADC) has been very relaxed and insisting that Mugabe and his people will sort themselves, their own way. My heart bled!
What about our own Zambia? They came during the presidential by-elections and certified them 'free & fair' even before the results were out. My heart bled even more!
What of the civil war in Congo DR? What about the fighting in Kenya?Time can't even allow me to go into details. Details of the challenges Africa has faced and the AU reactions, the openly practised double standards.
My case in point is the Guinea coup. The Guinean people have shown how sick and tired they have been of despotic rule under the late President Lansana Conte. They joyfully celebrated the assumption of power by Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara.
When the late Conte held elections, the opposition always disputed. Did the AU rise to the challenge? No!
Has the AU objectively been involved in trying to help Zimbabwe get out of its current mess? Even Mugabe knows it. No wonder he calls African leaders 'cowards', who can not topple him. I may not even delve into discussing other countries.
But what about here in Zambia? Has the AU tried to find out why Dean Mung'oba (1996), Mazoka, Miyanda, etc (2001) and Sata (2008)petitioned the election results? This should make the so called international community shudder. It should make the AU think twice over its electoral observer standards. We need a continental leadership that is forward looking. Looking forward at what will become of Africa 20 years from now.
Let the AU not just condem Capt. Camara but support him in every way possible. We'll only have the right to condem him if he does not honour his word on holding elections and returning to civilian rule.
Let Africa unite and become objective in handling its affairs.
Percy Mwale,
Kitwe.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Press Freedom & African Politics
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.
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 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.
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