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These 10 things Mr President

*The 7th Republican President of Zambia*

Dear Mr. President,

Congratulations on your victory and this huge endorsement from the Zambian people. You deserve it and have worked hard to get here.

As the celebrations reach a crescendo, it will be time for you to retreat for a short while so as not to lose yourself in the hype. For your task ahead is huge.

Surely, there are a lot of voices inundating you with different messages at this point in time. I’ll add my own as an expectant Zambian, similar to the thoughts shared with the sixth Republican President in 2015.

1. We need a leader

The time cannot be any better to demonstrate leadership. It is time to share hope, to execute a well thought through vision for the country and set the nation on a path of progress. Show us the plan, lead by action and engage us your people regularly, demonstrating how the plan is being implemented.

That takes leadership. With where the country is today, things can only get better. It would take a shocking miracle for things to get worse than they are.

2. Unite us please

Most of us have lamented how our unity as a people has been weakened by tribal talk and misguided political loyalties.

It goes without saying that this will be your biggest task and it is an urgent one. To reinforce the One Zambia, One Nation motto in word and deed. Our diversity is our wealth. Co-existing as 72 tribes should be our pride and crown. Nothing should jeopardise this at all.

If there is one thing that makes my heart bleed, it is tribalism in whatever form. How sad that we have gotten to a stage where even leaders unashamedly get on public platforms and spit out tribal talk, about where one hails, whether they can or will ever rule and all that filthy talk. We are bigger than that. At individual and national level, we must reject this divisive spirit outrightly.

We must detest tribalism. How we the people of Zambia voted says a lot. There are provinces that chose to vote for change based on the quality of options before them as opposed to where a candidate hails. It is such a mindset that we need to start seeing more of.

We will rely on you to help us heal as a people and see Mother Zambia’s beauty through her tribal diversity.

Make this your priority from the word go.

3. Watch your back (and circle)

Be wary who you surround yourself with. More importantly, be very careful who you listen to. We have seen how an inner circle can make or break a leader.

By all means, have some people in your circle that will be candid with you. Difficult as it may be (humanly speaking) for us to hear the uncomfortable truth, you will need this.

Treat with caution all those that will agree with all you say and do…those that will praise you at every turn. Therein lies failure’s rich ingredients.

4. Learn from history

If there are stories and lessons to keep close to heart, it is those involving the leaders that have gone before you. Have a compilation of their stories or pictures to remind you every so often. To keep you humble and focused.

There are leaders who were popular and loved by the people. Leaders who were given a commanding mandate by the people. Yet once in office for a few years, they lost their way, stopped listening, were detached and allowed power to corrupt them.

The end is inevitable for such leaders. Let your legacy be different. It is within your control. Don’t take the people’s confidence in you for granted. Ultimate power lies with the people. Always remember that.

5. You can’t fix everything….at once

We have your manifesto and we paid attention to the promises you made. We will hold you accountable on that basis.

However, pace yourself and just be focused on delivering progress. Do not set out to do too many things and fail at all. The key outcome has to be progress. We can get there one step and one agenda at a time as long as you give it your all.

Most of all, let your team deliver with you so it all does not depend on you. It will therefore be critical that you appoint your team based on merit and competence, not patronage or compelled loyalties.

The truth is that you will have an opportunity to initiate some projects and initiatives which will be completed by your successor. It is the way of life. You do not need to be so pressed to do everything and have your name on it. It is acceptable too to be an initiator.

That way you will be focused on quality development and not expediency.

6. Clean up the system

We have amazing talent in the public service, capable of turning the country around and reversing the current trajectory.

Allow professionals to thrive. Penalise mediocrity. Take a strong stance on corruption. Abhor shoddy work. Institutionalise excellence at all levels. This is the most effective way of embedding discipline and obliterating paralysing complacency.

We are desperate for a cultural shift in the civil service, in public institutions and in our national mindset. You must focus on driving productivity, enhancing performance management and improving service delivery.

Most of all, invest in the relevant institutions that will embed the core governance principles which our nation needs more than ever.

This will become even more critical when it comes to how the majority position in the National Assembly is managed. While we have scored a huge victory at a Presidential level, we are confronted with a potential hurdle of a singular dominant force in the House which may weaken checks and balances. Don’t fall for this governance trap.

You have a great opportunity to set progressive actions and precedence in motion. Do not waste it.

7. Restore pride in old fashioned work

Many Zambians have mourned in the silence of their toil, as their genuine work has gone unrewarded.

Instead those gifted in patronage and the privileged connected few have seen their wealth multiply.

From the small scale farmer, the marketeer, the trader to the self employed and formally employed citizen, all must find pride in honest work. Not laziness and the “tuchawa” culture that is rewarded with tenders, showroom vehicles, mansions, power and instant wealth.

And after all is said and done, crush the nonsensical cadreism at all costs and in whatever form it comes. Do not make the mistake of simply dressing it up in red and discarding the green. Such arrogance, inequality and systemic discrimination has no place in the Zambia we dream of.

Show us the fresh path we must take.

8. Corruption is your biggest trap

So much has been said about the unchecked levels of corruption. Even the simplest of services cannot be rendered without the vice rearing its head.

The last thing we need is more rhetoric on corruption. Only action, real action, will yield progressive results and curb the rot.

Any failure to address the scourge decisively will only feed the monster and finally make it insurmountable.

9. Let there be an economy

The economic headwinds are apparent and well known. Runaway inflation, deterioration in living standards, low productivity across economic sectors, a huge tax burden on the few in formal employment, suffocating poverty, poor access to decent health facilities, unemployment…the list is endless.

The time is now for an ambitious revamp. There will be tough times ahead and uncomfortable decisions have to be made. All we ask is that you make the corrective and necessary decisions for the good of our nation in the long term.

10. Let Zambia take her place

Zambia has not done much on the international stage compared to her earlier life, mainly under KK’s stewardship.

We have yet again performed admirably in terms of regime change and democratic transition. For a third time, power has switched from an incumbent administration to the opposition and have peacefully hired seventh Head of State through the ballot.

We must build on this reputation to also strategically position ourselves as international players in democratic leadership, global conversations and the cause for a refreshed African narrative.

We must find and focus on areas that we will be pacesetters in, based on our strengths and natural assets.

We must believe again and pursue that dream for Mother Zambia.

Once again, congratulations to you Mr President. I wish you well and pray that the Good Lord guides you. Yours is not a light task but we shall support you not only because you are our President. But also because we are patriots, believers in Zambia’s deserved progress.

Yours truly,

Proud Zambian.

I dreamt of Zambia

30 Oct

Last night I had a dream. It was her again, that familiar face. I couldn’t miss it, I have seen it many a time.

Something had changed though. She had aged, looked troubled and it was as though life had been sucked out of her. Whatever it was, it ran deep and was gnawing somewhere deep in her soul.

Then she spoke and I finally understood why.

Her children. Her land. Her dreams. Her happiness. They had all changed. They were fast vanishing. With a tear wheeling its way down her wrinkled face, she opened up about how a once rich, happy and fulfilling existence had been or was being decapitated.

Her children had once upon a time been united, proud and free. With a future as bright as the eastern sunrise. Prosperity beckoned. But now that future had dimmed, the glow gone. What changed? What happened to her children?

Because now they had been enveloped in behaviors that kept her awake, wallowing in sadness. They were tribal, lashing out at each other on the basis of where one hails. They were divided and polarized by political persuasion and affiliation. The side one picked made them an enemy of the other. They were quick to unleash fists, hurl insults and even use weapons against each other. They had to be on the same side or else forget the blood that flowed through their veins. Zambian blood.

Her children had been subdued by the weight of poverty. Sucked in by illiteracy. Hopelessness now ruled. With ease, her children had given in to defeat. They had stopped working their hands and land for food and a livelihood. They did not try anymore. It was far easier to moan and groan, about yesterday. About the good days gone by and the days ahead that promised a better tomorrow. Only that she could not see who among them would get them into the promises held by tomorrow.

Her children had become fatally despondent. They were their worst enemy. They effortlessly and systematically had managed to crush their tomorrow. Everyone around could see that their confidence and beauty had been defiled. When that happens, you lose it all. Now they were even the first to speak ill of her, to throw out her dirt for all to see and they now sided with those that had nothing but negativity to say about Mother Zambia.

What had changed? How could her children hate her this much? How could her children be at each other’s necks just because of tribe or political inclination? East, West, South and North it did not matter, they were all her children! How could they not see this?

Her face was wet now, the tears had created their paths and flowed like her Mighty Zambezi. She could not hold back her tears. Her children had changed. They did not care about her anymore. Neither did they care about what they said or did or what they would leave behind for their children. It did not matter if they were in leadership or if they were the led. It was no trouble if they stole…..if they persecuted those below them….if they ignored virtuous counsel…..if they turned a blind eye to doing good for the benefit of all now and tomorrow. They now simply did as they pleased. To satisfy their greed and unchecked appetite for destruction.

What had gone wrong? What had changed? They had changed. Her children. She was still the same. She was still there. She still loved them.

But they had changed. Every one of them. Some knew the wrong but did nothing. Others knew not the wrong but did it anyway. They had continued hurting her……through mediocrity, through self hatred, through tribalism, through corruption, through laziness, through divisive politics, through disloyalty…….through the silent voices that said nothing when they saw these things happen…..through the loud voices that were first to speak ill of her whenever she was discussed. They had changed. Every one of them. Through their actions and inactions. Through their words. They were complicit in this crime, her destruction and her progressive decline.

She mused as she watched each of her children point a self-righteous dirty finger at the other, assigning responsibility for the damage. Some even spoke about her special day, her birthday…..that it was no longer the same, it was flat and lifeless. Yes one could see some flags dotted here and there but they all just went about their lives like they did on any other day.

They had changed. They had forgotten that her birthday was a day so cherished in her heart. She remembered all her children that had worn painful chains like jewelry, beaten as they confronted a common enemy with boldness, guns pointed at them, shed blood so their own children and next generations could taste freedom…..incarcerated simply for wanting to be independent and free. Children of ChaChaCha. The memories were as fresh as they come.

Alas, her children today cared less. The flag held no value to them. The national anthem was just another song, not one of those popular trending songs they swung their bodies to. The black and white waves….the man and woman….the noble eagle…at the heart of the coat of arms, were all worthless like the litter along the filthy city roadsides.

She could not hold back the tears.

Something had to change. They had to change. Her children needed to see the light one more time. Or all else was lost.

She had to remind them to stand and sing of Zambia, proud and free. They needed to remember their land of work and joy in unity. They were victors in the struggle. The struggles gone, the struggles today and the struggles ahead.

She had to remind them of their wealth. Their heritage. Their culture. Their identity. Their land. Their unity. They had it all and they were one.

She had to remind them of what she had gifted them with.

The mineral resources far and wide……Copper, Cobalt, Uranium, Gold, Emeralds and a lot more.

The endless flow of water…rivers, lakes and waterfalls…..the Mighty Zambezi….the Kafue…the Luangwa….the Chambeshi….Bangweulu…..Mweru….Mweru Wantipa…….Mosi-oa-Tunya……Ntumbachushi…..Kabwelume…..Lumangwe.

The wildlife that gave her unmatched status……the powerful elephant, the famed king of the jungle, the athletic antelopes, water’s royalty-the hippos, the angelic birds, the straw colored fruit bats, the beastly reptiles,………..all sauntering and flying across the vast stretches of Kafue, Luangwa, Mfuwe, Kasanka, Lochinvar…….name them and Mother Zambia could boast of such wonders.

The rich culture. Whether it was the majestic Kuomboka across the Lozi plains of the West, the Ncwala with ground stomping Impis of the East, the Umutomboko conquest dance of Luapula, the proud parade of the Ng’wena in the North, the mystical Likumbi Lya Mize of North Western or the unique youthful Kopala culture of the 21st century, celebration was never far off. There was immense pride she adorned from her history and heritage.

She had it all. And by birth, they had it all too.

How could they be throwing this away? How could their greed blind them like this? How could they let tribe drive a wedge between them? How could they let evil egoistical intentions divide them along partisan lines? How could they watch as they tore at her heart and destroyed the land she loved with her all?

It was time they came back home. Back to her. Back to her wealth. Back to their heritage. Back to a place of pride. Where their loyalty was to her, the present and the future.

Where patriotism would trump partisanship.

Accountability would dwarf self aggrandizement.

Credibility would be more valuable than corruption.

Tribalism would pave way for togetherness.

Ideas and ideals would take precedence over pettiness and provocation.

Divergent thought would be embraced rather than despised.

Principle would outmuscle patronage.

Genuine hard work would define the path to prosperity and not connections of privilege.

Long term development would be foremost on leaders’ minds in the place of myopic acts for praise.

Freedom would be society’s mainstay rather than the suppression of voices

Leaders would serve than be served.

The welfare of future generations would come first before selfish ambition.

Where the green, red, black and orange would restore pride in the flag. The National Anthem would be a loud verbal show of identity. Where being Zambian would be the ultimate pride that every one of her own defended at all costs.

Yes they had gone astray. They had lost their way. They needed to see it. They could no longer ask each other what had gone wrong or who was responsible or what had changed about her. They had all changed. They had gone wrong. They were the reason for her misery and decline.

But they were also the only hope she had, for her happiness.

She wiped the tears off her face and I could see a slight smile forming at the corner of her mouth. She would not give up on them.

I woke up. I dreamt about Zambia. There was a long road ahead. But all hope was not lost. Her future and prosperity lay squarely on her children’s shoulders.

You and I.

Just these 10 things Mr President!

25 Jan

Dear Mr President,

The drama, anxiety and tension is done. The Presidential by-election is behind us and Zambia has yet again ushered in a new Republican President.

Congratulations on your appointment and may God be your guide in this important job.

I take this opportunity to draw your attention to a few things that in my view are of critical and immediate importance.

1. Heal the nation

This election and the campaigns have exposed a delicate cancer we must wipe out. The nation has been left polarised on tribal lines. Never have we seen conversations, discussions and opinions degenerate to the tribe one is.

For the first time, we have witnessed colleagues that have co-existed all along differ and be at odds bitterly with tribe at the heart of these differences. This cannot be right and we must curb this for the sake of our future.

Your role Mr President is to bring this nation together. We must remember we are One Zambia, One Nation. We are Zambians and that is the most important thing. It is my hope that this will reflect in your approach, appointments and aspirations for this country. This must by all means be a priority.

2. New Constitution

The nation has spoken several times and the demand of we the people has been clear. We need a new a Constitution. It may not be perfect but it will be the beginning of a journey to correct some of the inherent flaws we have experienced as a nation.

It may not be far from the truth that we are fatigued because of this dragging process. Tired of the different Constitution commissions, roadmaps and pronouncements. It is time to execute and deliver. Mr President, you have the opportunity to make history by delivering a people driven constitution. The biggest test you face here is keeping your word.

The time has come for us to institutionalise our democracy. It has become imperative that we do so and there can be no better time than now. It will not only save costs but it will have significant bearing on strengthening our much cherished democracy.

We expectantly will keep an eye on you Mr President, believing that this too is a matter of priority.

3. International leadership

Once again Zambia has managed a leadership transition smoothly through the ballot. This makes good reading for us as a pioneer of democracy on the continent. This is a pole position to be maintained on a continent full of questionable power struggles and imposed leadership.

Similarly, for so many years Zambia played an instrumental role in continental affairs. During the liberation struggle and years after that, our country has been an active player in international affairs. But we have faded into obscurity somewhat.

It is time to review our foreign policy positioning. Times have changed since the liberation struggle days. But we have a lot to share in terms of democratic progress.

Likewise, there are various things critical for our nation, region and continent that we can now focus on. These are things beyond politics such as health, technology and agriculture among many. These are areas we must take a lead in which have an impact on our people.

3. Integrity and maturity

The reputation of most of our leaders lies in tatters. Redemption is inevitable and a loud call. There is an urgent need for a different brand of leadership. Progressive leadership.

This we hope to see in your conduct as well as the approach you take in managing yourself and what you demand of your team.

Many a time, our political leaders have fallen for an unfortunate egotistic manner of leadership. Failing to read the mood or appreciate what the people desire. We expect maturity from you. In the way you handle national affairs, non-partisan events and even engagement with other players you may not be in agreement with such as opposition leaders and the media.

4. Refreshed vision

Every party is guided by its manifesto and agenda. That is understandable and acceptable.

However, there has been a critical direction taken over the last few years. That of having a national roadmap that outlines our aspirations beyond a sitting government. The Vision 2030 is this comprehensive and cardinal blueprint.

Please refresh and review this blueprint to ensure we remain on track. Even more importantly, let it be a transparent journey where we will all be kept abreast as we progress.

It is time to aspire for greater heights as a nation.

5. Challenge our institutions

Yes we have made headway in so many areas. But a lot more remain. Mr President, please use your new privileged position to steer our core institutions in the right direction.

Our Civil service, public institutions, Legislative and Judicial arms among others. Outline your expectations and let it be known what will need to become the norm in the conduct of their business.

Similarly, one of the institutions that must change its ways is the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). They have done a commendable job in this election in spite of their challenging circumstances. But it must be noted that there are a lot of Zambians that have been disenfranchised.

Some have come of age but have not been registered. Others have moved from their last constituencies and registration points but could not be transferred to other stations. While still some may not have exercised their right to vote simply because of their hairstyles and nails!

Voter education is paramount. But even more necessary is for the ECZ to adhere to the law and ensure continuous voter registration is adopted. I believe failure to do this has been on account of a lack of political will as opposed to limited resources.

6. Talk to your people

Yes this may appear like a straight forward request. But it may also be an easily ignored undertaking. Take the necessary time to speak to your people.

Let us know what you are doing, achieving and planning. Let us know what you and your team are struggling with. Hear too what your people are seeing, experiencing and yearning to share with you.

Communication is paramount and we may not all have easy access to you or your office. Therefore, the more you reach out to us, the more we will willingly follow on our nation’s journey.

7. Infrastructure development must continue

We have over the last few years seen that it is possible to invest in our nation’s infrastructure. There has been debate about the source of these resources. That is another discussion.

However, we now know that time is not a factor and even within a year or three, so much can be done for our roads, health facilities, schools and even other high impact sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.

We still face an uphill battle against poverty. You must not rest Mr President until you set in motion real momentum to reverse our ills. Our infrastructural development is a catalyst for the development we so much pursue.

8. Appoint on merit

You are but only one man, very human like all of us. Therefore, the people you surround yourself with will be the determinants of your success. Or failure.

This is where the wisdom you referred to during campaigns comes in. Pick people that are strong and will offer you the challenging support needed for you to deliver. This should also include as much as possible those people that can criticise you candidly when you need it.

By all means, do not surround yourself with praise singers and job seekers. This has been the failing of many gone before you.

Lastly, as you appoint your team, let this be meritorious and balanced. Search broadly and let your team be representative of our great nation’s diversity.

9.Meet the Opposition

This remains largely uncommon this part of the world. But the fact that it is rare does not entail it is impossible.

Extend an invitation and frequently engage the Opposition. For consultation and the exchange of ideas that will be helpful for our great nation. And this is not as a one off but as frequent as practically possible and value adding.

Yes even they want to win the next elections and you want to claim your own success, without outside influence.

But both your government and the opposition must remember that this is about Zambia. Not party or personal agendas. The nation’s progress must not be delayed until one is in office, Opposition or otherwise.

Extend the invitation and let it be accepted or rejected.

10. Humility and respect for the people

God grants leadership. This alone must always challenge you to remain humble and determined to serve to the best of your ability. Do not allow the trappings of power to steer you away from your noble job. Recognize God’s role in your current circumstances and let Him be your guide, no matter how difficult.

Additionally, if there is one thing this election has shown all of us, it is two things.

Firstly, that Zambians are tired of being taken for granted by our politicians and leaders. An average voter turnout of 32.36% is a source of huge concern. It is dangerous when the people decide not to care anymore and feel hopeless.

Secondly, it is the fact that Zambians are paying close attention to real issues and the quality of delivery. It is no longer about a road here and a clinic there. It is also about the commitment to honor promises or acknowledgement where delivery is delayed. Every leader must now pay close attention to this or ignore it at their own peril.

Please take note.

Once again, congratulations your Excellency and I can only wish you well. Yours is not an enviable role because of the enormity of expectations. It will not be easy. But it also is the best possible opportunity for you to make a mark and stand out as one of our exceptional leaders. In the end, it remains a choice you must make.

There will be no luxury of time as 2016 is but a few months away.

We will be watching closely. Make your mark on history Mr President.

God bless you and your government.
God bless our great nation, Zambia.

Proudly Zambian.

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