By George N. Mtonga In 1964 what was Northern Rhodesia became Zambia and undeniably vouched for her sovereignty before the Queen as well as the world. Zambia from 1964 to 1991 was an experiment. it was impossible for the founding fathers to develop a country and a political program that was not reacting to the colonials. President Kaunda served our country in his capacity as president given the constraints of his times, given the concerns of his generation, and given the priorities of the world at that time. In 1991 Frederick Chiluba and MMD ushered in a new development for the young nation. Zambia learned politics; her politics!! At this point we were able to discuss politics within the constraints of our country, as opposed to the politics of the 60s which were a reaction to the colonial masters. President Chiluba’s legacy in my view is that he allowed for Zambia to have her politics in the form of the creation of a multi-party democracy; this gave us the power to discuss politics from contesting perspectives. The world is changing and we are not fighting for independence from Britain neither are we trying to convince Dr. Kaunda on the virtues of a multi-party democracy. Our generation should make an effort to have a different political dialogue and a different political attitude. President Mwanawasa comes at a time when Zambia is gainfully becoming a player on the continent of Africa as well as gaining some global presence. Globalization of course served its purpose during President Chiluba and during President Mwanawasa we made far much greater steps towards a transparent and more progressive future. The presidency of Mr. Rupiah can rightly be merged with that of Mwanawasa because Mr. Rupiah continued the politics of MMD and much of the late presidents domestic policies. Zambia has only had two presidents who have been crucial to her growth: President Kenneth Kaunda ( UNIP) and President Frederick T. Chiluba ( MMD) Iam writing this rather short history of politics in Zambia to illustrate that we are too young of a nation to be conservatives!! As elections approaches, I ask that Zambians experiment; we need to change our current political thought for ideas that will serve the progressive development of our country in view of geopolitics. As we all put our votes in for the next president I ask that Zambians experiment; we are too young of a nation to play it safe: our institutions are young, our constitution even younger, and our politics still developing!! We need to challenge ourselves in an effort to present a future far much more idealistic, and far much more in line with the virtues of a democratic society. A society, as a general rule, is developing when you look at the treatment of women in that society, the treatment of the poor, the education level of its citizens, and the advancement of its public system. I’am committed to a better Zambia and Iam not scared to gamble on her future nor do I think conservatism is the answer for our nation. Aggressive political visions are needed and a commitment to change should be a constant breath that is breathed in every Zambian. The future, in short, belongs to those who dare think of it and who challenge the present and straighten it to satisfy their goals of a better future. Zambia is very young, too young, not to take advantage of the idealism, and stamina, and energy that comes with youth; we are not even half a century old!!!!
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 16:34:41 +0000
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