By Maurice Makalu
Like all Zambians, I received the reported decision by the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) to resort to dialogue to address the issues surrounding the BA 1964 with joy in my heart. Even now as the Ngambela has refuted that he ever made any statements to suggest rescission of agitation for secession in preference for dialogue, we remain positive and trusting in the wisdom of the leadership in Western Province and government to ensure that the peace, calm and unity that we have always known as a nation endures.
And dialogue is the only way. As such it should become the rule and cease to be seen merely as an option. Even if it has to begin with extremist positions or the highest of tempers, mistrust and acrimony between the parties, there is no problem too big we cannot talk it over.
But aside from the secession resolutions, the BNC has crystallized two governance challenges that we need to address urgently as a multiparty democracy: parallel leadership structures and tribal integration.
a. Parallel Leadership Structures
The BNC was a gathering of around 2,000 chiefs and indunas or headmen. These considered themselves as representing Western Province ahead of 17 MPs and around 146 ward councilors who were elected by 188,519 people out of 394,660 registered voters there. The chiefs felt so representative that they even asked the elected MPs (and Minister) to resign.
Recently, Chief Nkole of Kapiri Mposhi was reported to have ordered the Kapiri Mposhi District Council not to displace his subjects from their farmlands in his chiefdom, denying ever giving HIS land to the state. The chief warned the Council to stop interfering into land issues in his chiefdom and not to undertake any land development works in the area without his permission. The chief said, “I have never signed anywhere that I have given land to the state so do not displace my people from their farms on this land because those are their permanent farms given to them with permits.”
The question is: Who governs and represents the people, traditional leaders or elected officials?
Obviously the answer is both. Zambia therefore must draw clear boundaries between the two. Nyerere in Tanzania opted to ban chiefs altogether to avoid tribalism, farm land squabbles and such. We have decided to retain them. Let us define their role very clearly and sensitise and contientise them so that they do not overstep their boundaries and start unnecessary frictions with elected leadership. It is anti-democracy to place inherited leadership ahead of elected leadership for by its very nature, inheritance is undemocratic. It perpetuates hegemony and marginalization and knows nothing about equality and human rights for all.
[pullquote]It is anti-democracy to place inherited leadership ahead of elected leadership for by its very nature, inheritance is undemocratic. It perpetuates hegemony and marginalization and knows nothing about equality and human rights for all.[/pullquote]
In the modern era, when we speak of “self-determination,” like the BNC is seeking, it does not mean being ruled by a local instead of a foreigner, instead it means being ruled by an elected official. Election, regular popular election, not nationality, defines self-determination (democracy). The Arab Spring is a good example, where rulers ‘for life’ are being shown the exit door. Chief rulership is not self-determination.
So even as we devolve power from the centre to the regions, we must not allow inherited power to interfere with elected power other than through the ballot. It is a recipe for disaster. There is a reason developed democratic countries have confined their chiefs and kings to ceremonial roles only. We too can make our traditional leaders ceremonial leaders; let us have constitutional chieftaincy. Let’s put ‘spanners’ in our governance and development processes all in the name of respecting tradition. Democracy and development are the ‘tradition’ of the future and chiefs must not interfere or be seen to interfere with their traditions of the past.
b. Tribal Integration
The wider Zambian population received calls for secession with trepidation because we have all grown up under One Zambia One Nation, thanks to KK’s one party state and its strong nationalism drive. We have lived and shared together as one people, as brothers and sisters of one family. This however, is slowly being threatened with the emergency of multiparty democracy, where some people see tribalism, a form of hate speech, as part of their freedom of expression and association. Tribalism is raising its ugly head to an extent where some politicians are using it as their strategy in seeking political office.
Furthermore, as the BNC showed, chiefs rule over tribes. Despite assertions that Lozi is the ligua-franca of western province, Nkoyas disassociated themselves from what they perceived as a “Lozi” move. They are now also organizing a Nkoya council. God knows which other tribes will organise theirs as well. Mbundas on the other hand attended and presented a long list of complaints of “Lozi” marginalisation of Mbundas, and appealed for Mbunda chiefs to be recognized as senior chiefs as well.
How do we uphold our One Zambia One Nation as a multiparty democracy? We need deliberate government driven and sponsored tribal integration.
This should go beyond tribal balancing in political appointments where it is really hard to have real balance. Rather it should involve having a “National Population (or Tribal) Integration Policy” whose objective should be to integrate the 73 tribes, by deepening our appreciation of the “Ubuntu” that makes us bantu-speaking peoples; the humanity that makes us human.
[pullquote]Having Paramount Chief Chiti Mukulu as guest of honour at the Kuomboka Ceremony, or chief Mukuni at Ukusefya Pang’wena, would go a very long way in bringing Bembas, Lozis and Tongas together[/pullquote].
Among other things, the policy must encourage and facilitate for chiefs, especially paramount and senior chiefs, to attend traditional ceremonies of other chiefs. The policy must prescribe what I can describe as chiefs ‘diplomatic’ relations, where our chiefs can pay each other courtesy calls; the Litunga going on a kingdom visit to Paramount Chief Gawa-Undi just like Presidents go on state visits; with lots of media coverage. On these visits, they should exchange gifts as souvenirs to be displayed in palaces back home so as to be reminded of “my visit to Chief Mukuni of the Tonga people.” This will build a rich tradition of friendship and cultural exchange between tribes, which will cement national unity.
Almost every province now has a community radio station. Let these stations broadcast cultural programmes about Zambian tribes. How about “Imitundu Yesu (Our Tribes)” programme on Radio Ichengelo on the Copperbelt, to discuss cultures of different tribes; or “Your Lozi, Lunda, etc Neighbour” on Radio Lundazi in Eastern Province. These community radio stations can allocate just 30 minutes a week to each of the 7 major tribes, where people of these tribes from within the communities can share their cultures, music, etc and just speak their language on air. After all they are in Zambia; therefore, at home.
Whatever we have to do to integrate and make our One Zambia One Nation more one, let us do it. Let not the Ministry of Traditional Affairs be only about looking after chiefs, their salaries and livelihood, but also bringing our rich tribal diversity closer together. When we sing: “One land and one nation is our cry… All one, strong and free,” we must remember it is an eternal cry, perpetual work in progress.
i have not read the article in full, but I must say the author is mature and knows what he is talking about…healthy debate! ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION!
I love my galfriend so much, wait and see we will fight u zambian enough is enough…that is why u bembas you end up taking useless courses at unza and become teachers *****s
Lol
pushe what brew have you been sipping on learn to share so that we can all be at your level Chipe iwe
By wealth, Bembas rank first son, angry or happy, those are the stats!!!
Lmao…. Miz you really cracked me up!
This is the problem with people who can only think about tribe. No wonder the Zambian people are sceptical about giving you the presidency. You are too tribalistic such that you can end up committing genocide.
Kwena iwe ulichipuba! u raceist! u tribalist! go to hell and hung! we are all zambians be it bemba, lamba, kaonde, lozi or tonga ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATIONA! we nchishi weeeee!
Fair thoughts. Good to see a picture depicting UKWANGA CEREMONY of BENA NGUMBO of Luapula Province. Rich cultural heritage that should help in cementing unity and also be used as a platform for socio-economic development of our rural areas.
This Makalu ni wa Nzelu…
Very mature, objective and balanced article. I love your aproach to this topic considering your name sounds Lozi. I wish politicians and chiefs could pict even a leaf from your branch.
Actually the young man is Ngumbo from Samfya district. He was 3 years behind me in school at Bahati Seminary in Mansa
Good article, written fairly well with just a few revelations significant of political propaganda, desperation, fear and ignorance of the true nature of the issue at hand…., and… I think the article comes rather too late. It’s my view.
Chuckle. Twas a good attempt though once you ignore those few slips :)
Am afraid the writer has just stated the obviose. The time for traditional leaders is sleaping fast. This guys sell land and give zero to there to there subjects. We need to move on as a people.
Author, do not make the situation any worse than it is.Your views are admirable albeit fall short of the bigger picture.Leave Barotse issue to be solved by legitimate authorities less than that you are escalating tension!These matters are above you.Please,desist from renewing the fatigue and clamour we have had in the past weeks over that proud,honourable and ancient document of the Barotse people.
This can be an exellent policy paper to the ministry of chiefs and traditonal affairs. can the author consider improving it and formally submitting it to the mnistry for consideration before someone plagerises it and makes money over it.
Please, only one tribe signed an agreement in 1964. That is the Lozis. Whatever you say, one zambia one nation will only be realised when all tribes feel they are part of he governining system, not where one tribe rules over others. All we need is the exit of tribalists and have normal leader, which i am afraid, we have not had in the last decade, that can lead the country into a practicalluy united country not theoretically united country!
There is no tribe called lozi in western province. Mwanawina who signed the Agreement was born to a Lui father and a nkoya mother. Please get it into that thick skull of yours that the people you call Lozi belong to different tribes.
Zambia has NEVER been ruled by a Bemba, get your facts right u tribalist !
YOU ARE VERY VERY CORRECT.I HOPE THOSE IN GOV WILL READ THIS ARTICLE.
Mr.Maurice Makalu,I regret and retract my earlier comment.Prejudice overcame me at my reading of the first part of your article.Little did I know that it’s a 21st century perception of the situation.
I recommend you sir.You have shown wisdom. Wouldn’t it be nice to have your article of unfair criticism removed from the blog? Wouldn’t LT remove the article if you made a request as the author?
great analysis.kudos to LT.the pipo that want to see tribe in everything must ashamed.let there be peace!take heed
Thumbs up Maurice. This is a very good article.
This is one brain cell garbage journalism- the headline is even worse
“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water” (Benjamin Franklin); Amen.
When all that is enjoyed in Zambia is gone, we will know the value of the people that said “one Zambia one nation”. When the land becomes arid, we will know the value of the free flowing Lualaba/Luapula river; Kafue and Zambezi rivers; Lunsenfwa and Chambishi rivers; Lwangwa and all the small rivers. In short; we are a people blessed in abundance, yet no clue of how blessed we are, hence the infighting.
Would you please send your article to all media houses please. It deserves to be circulated beyond boundaries. Let those with ears here and those with eyes see. Great article
Fair points! Well articulated. This actually involves going back to some traditional practices during times of peace between tribes whereas most of the debates so far have focused on turbulent events which required treaties. Well done author and LT. This one can easily be debated without the usual insults flying back and forth but then again that is only my opinion. There are however two negotiations to be had under one umbrella. The Barotse issue as it is unique in circumstance and then all our blessed tribes including the western and our new ‘tribes’ too i.e. mixed, mixed race, Asian and European descent as your area of birth as a Zambian can give you an ‘honourable additional status’ to share. God bless Zed.
A Magande, Milupi, Nawakwi, Miyanda or Mutati Presidency could give us a new path to unit in this country. This article is very well written and touches some of the key issues that are critical to national unity and prosperity.
only Magande stands out.
lozi’s are morons!
Good points indeed.But one wonders whether those perpetrating succession will agree with you on these.I strongly agree with you on;
‘There is a reason developed democratic countries have confined their chiefs and kings to ceremonial roles only’.
Zambia is better off without these tribal tagging.They are so primitive to even talk about.
“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water” (Benjamin Franklin); Amen.
When all that is enjoyed in Zambia is gone, we will know the value of the people that said “one Zambia one nation”. When the land becomes arid, we will know the value of the free flowing Lualaba/Luapula river; Kafue and Zambezi rivers; Lunsenfwa and Chambishi rivers; Lwangwa and all the small rivers. In short; we are a people blessed in abundance, yet no clue of how blessed we are, hence the infighting.
And united we stand!!!
U r very right
Ba Site moderator, you mean my comment is that offensive that you have taken 2 hours to examine 4 sentences? Cisuma, its your blog.
I love this part: ‘’ It is anti-democracy to place inherited leadership ahead of elected leadership for by its very nature, inheritance is undemocratic. It perpetuates hegemony and marginalization and knows nothing about equality and human rights for all’’
Great article for archving
The best way forward is to ban chiefs. There is not economic sense in keeping these traditional rulers who add no value to the well-being of society except to breed violence and anarchy. Let us recognize the times we are living in. The whole world is talking about globalization, but because of lack of exposure and not taking too much to current affairs, people still want to exist in the sixteenth century. Let the govt start by introducing new National Identities(NIDs). These NIDs should only have biometrics, numbers and addresses, no chiefs and villages. In this present age, if you are to compete and keep afloat, you need people. That is why countries with huge populations of people are doing fine. China will become the largest economy by 2016. India is not lagging behind – watch Nigeria!
While I would agree with you but I’m afraid Liberal, not so fast… Not sure why you cite those populated countries as reason for their economic advances in relation to the topic at hand, but those countries you mention actually still have ‘chiefs’, probably not in the sense as we know the in Africa. Tell me our politicians are any better than our chiefs?
Look at what Chief Nkole was reported to have done: ordering the Kapiri Mposhi District Council “not to displace his subjects from their farmlands in his chiefdom”. What else would you want from a people representative and why is this a bad thing? He is looking after his subjects and that’s exactly what you would expect from your leader. I reckon he did the right thing to stand up for his subjects.
Extrenely good article
Even with best of intentions no sane govt can the restore BA64 its original state. It ought to be be renegotiated to take account of other tribes in WP and the domino effect it may create among other tribe seeking autonomy. Talking secession is outside the provisions of BA64. However, if Lozis COLLECTIVELY want to become foreigners in Zambia (will need passports and work permits to work in zambia and if lozis want Zambians to be foreigners in Barotse) and tear down the families/intertribal marriages and their investments in other parts of Zambia, no blood should be shed to prevent them. The time to make that decision is NOW. Otherwise we as a nation (ZAMBIA) will always be held at ransom. AND I DONT LIKE BEING HELD AT RANSOM
Avery misleading heading,i could no get yo point anyway try next time.
land belongs to the people and not the chiefs. this must become law. chiefs can preside over local disputes and mobilisation of their people, but land belongs to the people. I HATE THE WORD TRIBE European Anthropologists used it to describe people they called ‘SAVAGE’ or ‘uncivillised’ or small groupings of people I prefer nations or ethnicities because of the positive connotations. Strange, Africans continue to see themselves in the descriptions of those who subjagated them
They have had a lot longer to write the word to the back of their own history though. The English language is great at applying different words to the same thing to denegrate. So we get third world development while they call theirs regeneration etc. My ‘favourite’ is when the topic of corruption is brought up. Having said that the UK is still ‘tribal’ even if not called that. Jordies versus Scousers versus Brummies. Scots seem proudest of clans.
MALAWI’S government has confirmed that President Bingu wa Mutharika has died and declared 10 days of mourning.
Lt you slow in your reporting,ka?
So that man of God in Nigeria was telling the truth after all,I wonder what truth he can tell about Mushota…probably that she will die as a destitute in Glasgow!
I’m really humbled by this nice article, how I wish it can be translated even in local languages and be published so that everyone can read it, its only those who are difficult for nothing can’t appreciate it, you have wisdom dear.
This MIZ # 2 reminds me of Mushota… must be the brother coming out to confirm what a useless family they both come from…
WHEN YOU TALK OF ‘THE EDUCATED ‘ ,MEAN THE WRITER OF THIS ARTICLE!
Historically, chiefs have always been a late down. They were responsible for selling their subjects into slavery in exchange for trivial things like mirrors and the like. PF should rethink their strategy of working with chiefs. They may derail progress. eg chief nkole or what ever!
Very refreshing article,we have no choice but to live together as one,those advocating for secession,truth be told even if they were to secede they will be worse off.Do these Lozis think that we shall allow Lozis outside so called Barotse to exist and stay in what will emain o Zambia?Western province is poor because the people there have refused to embrace development.Truth be told,western province is the only province were as a visitor if you dont hail from there you feel so unwelcome.Thats the only place were the ugly face of tribalism is so unashamebly visible you could touch it..Until and unless these people change their attitudes and inferiority complex,wether they go it alone they will never succeed in life.Life is about making a change.
ba rodrick #35, you are right. These guys from the so called western P in particular the Lozi hav ka abnormal attitudes towards other tribes. Look, there are even failing to get united with the nkoyas, mbundas and others in the same area. They think if they seperate from zm they will be free and develop their ka small area. no way. to tell u Lozis u need to first change yourselfish minds and consider and love other tribes or else u will remain in the same underdeveloped area.
one zambia one nation ==one africa one continent== one wrold one people== one people one god=
one people one life== only dogs will fight who are out side the one world. govnment must litsen and share the benefits ,developments and others with the one zambia one nation. am not lozi but i have seen the under developments in the lozi lands . lozis also need to accept that the desired developments will take a period of time but must start within 90 days.now now now now cos all the past presidents chose to be blind or neglected.
This makalu guy is retarded. It looks like fellow retards have understood wat he has written.
you are too dull to make sence out of a well balanced progrssive article
There can never be progress with chiefs( most of them former junior officers) in the limelight. Let us eliminate them like our friends in Tanzania.
I AGREE THAT THERE ARE STILL MORE LOZIS WITH ENOUGH BRAINS. THIS GUY HAS WRITEN THE BEST ATICAL SO FAR ABOUT THIS DEAFENING ISSUE OF THE LOZIS. CONGRATULATIONS BY BROTHER FOR ARTICULATING SO PRECISELY WITH ALL THE TRUETH IT DESERVES. WHAT MORE CAN SOMEONE ASK FOR?
SEND ME YOUR DETAILS SO THAT I CAN ADD MORE WELL THOUGHT WRITINGS ABOUT THIS TRIBALISM BREWING IN THE WEST OF ZAMBIA.
Wait for 2030 when I come into power, I will dethrone all chiefs and burn all wizards. To me, us the young, save some Lozi extremist’s children, do not care much about tribalism. We interact Bemba, Tonga, Easterner and thus forth!
This is an excellent, very mature and thoughtful piece of writing. Let me also add a bit to this: apart from chiefs visiting each other, let us promote a policy of multilingualism in schools. Let us encourage the teaching of Bemba in Western province, Lozi in Muchinga and Northern provinces, Tonga in Eastern province, Nyanja in Southern Province, etc, etc. In this way, no language speaker will be made to feel inferior or superior to another. Let multilingualism be used, just like English, as criteria in evaluating job applicants: let employers require that proficiency in two or more local languages will be an added advantage in getting a job. This will make most Zambians appreciate the importance and value of other languages and thus learn them. This will further unite us as a nation.
If we would use these online blogs to pass comments like most of the above, rather than talking about hate and tribalism, we would considerably contribute positively to our country’s development progression. For the first time in months, Zambians seem to be united on the subject of unit. Lets unit and denounce comments of tribalism and uncalled for hatred one another. The future of our country and motherland lies firmly in our hands.
lecture us malawo.uli nshimbi chikala
I do not believe the United States had a right to move the Natives from their home. The Natives were there first wayy befroe the white men came to the new world . Its like some stranger coming into your home and telling you to get all your belongings and move somewhere else. What i don’t understand is why the white men didn’t move themselves instead of taking a huge risk not knowing what the Natives would or could do to them. If the Natives had refused to leave after the President asked for thier removal i think there would have been war between the two. I know if i were told to move out my house by a complete stranger i would go off and totally rebel! Im surprised the Natives even put up with what they did!!
HEY MAKALU U ARE A MAN.UR REALLY ABLE TO CULTIVATE ISSUES.THUMBS UP
No, I do not think the United States Government had the right to move the native anriecams out of their land. The United States government didnt even have the right to say anything to the indians about where they live. The only reason the u.s. government moved the native anriecams is because they obivesitly felt like the indians had something they didnt.I think the native anriecams felt horribe to be moved out of their homeland. The indians were living in their homeland forever that the U.S. government moved them. I think some of the indians fought back such as the Cherokees but others just moved along.
A fairly average article though the theme that runs thru it is strong.The writer errs on having chiefs as pillars of a two pronged approach to integation.Chiefs will be guided by emotions & tribal interests in their diplomacy and can be agents of corruption in gift giving.An integration commission on the other hand is sworn to examine painful facts objectively.It shud examine ways of giving voice to small marginalised tribes,curb big tribe hegemony and promote proportional representation.It shud also study how countries like kenya/rwanda delt with their painful tribal conflagrations and examine cultural practices like girls early marriages that make some tribes prone to having few educated folks less able to go toe to toe with othe tribes.
Though the topic and the main idea of this article dont match, the writer has underscored very important points which policy makers should analyse and come with some recomendations especially in ministry of chiefs and fimo fimo.
its not text book theories that will solve these problems. that will not happen anytime soon mr makalu. its war and tribal fights that will ensure respect for each other. mark my word. history teaches us that usually tribes survive by supressing others or what you may call conquering other smaller tribes. so if you want peace in the west overthrow the litunga and you will have a very submissive lozi kingdom under the leadership of mwine kahare.
This Makulu chap lacks depth. Barotse chiefs are more qualified than Ukwa by far and land tenure there is still under the solo hands of the litunga. Wait and see how soon barotseland will become a heaven on earth.
The author goes deep enough to show how problematic traditional leadership can be because it is does not comply with the democratic principle of self-determination. Doesn’t that hit you with enough force? And as for your “heaven on earth” prediction, I dare to oppose it because looking all over the continent, the desire to divide and rule has brought more misery than joy.
Good thought through ideas, lets keep them flowing, so that we can consolidate such, and resolve our present challenges amicably…ONE ZAMBIA, ONE NATION…..chwe chwe chwe
@Didier Zokora- Tribalists are very visible and you are one. Talking about qualification, are you aware that winning a countrywide election is not an easy job?
@MIZ,I doubt if u hav bin to unza coz school of education is crowdd wit lozis or tongas.try to go to lilayi college u will find a lot of lozis and tongas.mwalibelela ifikwakwa
So what?
The author of this article has tabled SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT to constitutional experts. I note a lot of sense in his tray of wisdom.
gud article.can someday update me on how many chiefs have degrees in zambia?how many headmen have grade college level education.how many chief advisors had/are intellectures.i hope to have answers soon.otherwise i will opt for the chiefs roles to be ceremonial only, but for now i will wait for anwers.
Well articulated and something to be seriously looked at by all peace loving Zambians irrespective of where they come from. Chiefs the last 50 years have become more of a menace and a nuisance with only self serving motives, than the intended objective of them being unifiers. This is one well tabulated article Makalu.
we must reintroduce a seriously permanent house of chiefs with serious benefits for chiefs.also build chiefs palaces and give them car loans like we treat MPs and ministers. let them have a say in parliament .in the uk and usa they have to houses to vote over a bill to becomes a law. chiefs are more closer to the people’s affairs than business Mps.empower chiefs in their house to work with cabinet and MPs in order to bring development to every area. the money we give constituencies let chiefs be part of it. chiefs are like mothers who are close to children than dads.
Where one sees Zemuntu, then know that what follows is trash. God forgive this sinner because you son Jesus died for all, even the deranged.
@Didier Zokora, i think the issue here is not about having an educated Chief, but a democratically elected rather than inherited leadership. As the author has correctly put it, “inheritance is undemocratic. It perpetuates hegemony and marginalization and knows nothing about equality and human rights for all’’.
@zemuntu, if you can, fellow countryman, please avoid mentioning tribe. You are better off not responding to @MIZ’s comment. Instead, concentrate on giving your views/thoughts about the article in question. That is what these online news blogs are designed for. Lets avoid insults or denouncing others on the basis of tribe, please!!! Unit Unit Unit……!!!!!
@mimi,u moron hav u heard de nkoya resolotions.ur now remain wit 4 districts
Zemuntu PhD in insults indeed. You are such a sorry site. Njala nayo, awe mwandi. If you believe that you are intellectually superior based on your tribe, is a white man wrong to say blacks have a lower IQ than the whites. Shame indeed.
@zemuntu is such an embarrassment to all of us who are true Bembas. In fact, i doubt if he is Bemba. These are the people who are deliberately pretending to be Bemba and saying a lot of negative things against others in an effort to create an impression that Bembas are boastful. Please stop it in the best interest of Unit. Lets learn to appreciate and respect one another and the diversity that exist in our country.
This is an excellent article that must be published in all media.If our leaders both political and traditional,can come up with this we will be more united than before.Thumbs up for the item.Kindly post it on the watchdog too
Good article, good thinking from a good mindset.
The article is good; strengthening of regional groupings should actually bring development. We do not have to speak the same language to be united. For more than 40 years we have lived, shared, joked an eaten together in some instances fought together like our Mbuna brothers pointed out. The decision taken by our brothers in western province cannot and will never be in the interest of the country. Our learned brothers and sisters should be a little more creative and channel their intelligence towards the development of the province. Thank God every province has intelligentsia. It is no longer a preserve of one tribe otherwise the slogan one Zambia one nation would have been meaningless. Every Zambian tribe received free education including our Aluyi brothers.
Good to know a lot of people are coming out with opinions on the subject. You can only appreciate that, whatever its intentions, the BA’64 issue has provoked debate and self-assessment.
First the author tries to bring the subject about BA’64 and associate them wrongly with the issues of tribalism and governance hierarchy of Zambia’s politics and tradition. The BA’64 is about the marriage of Northern Rhodesia and Barotseland to form Zambia in 1964 and let’s leave it at that.
As for BNC being people representative in Western Province, the author doesn’t understand the traditional governance structure of Western Province. I’m not sure about other provinces, but out there Indunas are respected village elders, where even politicians have to go and seek votes.
Villages are normally built by close relatives and who then choose an Induna, normally as an elderly person considered wise amongst themselves.
2nd the author then goes on to ‘criticise’ himself in the 2 issues he’s addressing. In the first one, he is undermining the role of traditional chiefs but elevating the so called ‘people representatives’ who have been ‘elected’. But in the second part he emphasises the importance of traditional chiefs and authority they command over their ‘tribes’ or subjects. He wants to throw them to the dogs or in the bin, but he also wants to use them to solve tribal conflicts and to promote tribal integration. If chiefs can solve tribalism, then why do away with them? Why not use ‘elected’ politicians being praised in part 1?
Maybe have Bembas to go and stand in Western Province and vice-versa, etc?
The truth is our politicians are barely ‘people representatives’. They go to Lusaka and to enrich them and feed their bellies. Yes they were ‘elected’, mostly through dubious corrupt means, bribing all their way to LSK’s Manda Hill. Normally someone with money and influence, sponsored by a part with money will stand and win, not because of their policies and what they would do for the people, but because they had money. And when they win, they will completely forget about the suffering people they got votes from. They will never visit them until the next elections again.
On this background, I would rather pay my allegiance to a chief, and Induna who lives in the village with people.
In all honest, Indunas and chiefs are more respected by their subjects than elected officials. Respect is earned and you don’t have to go looking for it. It comes naturally.
We have a long way to go before we can try and match the standard of democracy in the West. We have borrowed democracy, but we don’t really practice it per se. We are abusing the whole thing and I wowuld even be BOLD ENOUGH here to say ABOLISH elective representative type of democracy and let’s just go to the drawings board and promote Indunas and chiefs’s style of traditional governance. That’s what we know best in Africa.
. In Barotseland Indunas and Chiefs were answerable to the people and anyone who strayed who be ridiculed in songs and proverbs and kicked out in disgrace. To compare the Arab Spring to Chiefs is wrong – those ‘leaders for life’ were once elected. There are 44 Kingdoms in the World whose countries are heaps better than the so called Republic of Zambia.
Only when we can practice the West’s style of democracy in a transparent and mature manner; when our elected officials truly become answerable to the electorates shall we ‘abolish’ traditional leadership.
@Brazil, I didn’t say m bemba but m bemba speakin.don’t start bringin such derogatory terms like true bemba which r only practist amongst de lozis and tongaz. U shud b ashamed of yrself.as for mimi I don’t care u calling me deranged but I wil continue using de same language as yours.de moment u start debating sensibly m telling u , u will enjoy my contributions on this blog but if u go tribal my dear I promise u I wil go tribal also. But if say voyager 1 which was sent in 1977 has just reached the erge of de solarsystem u wil like me.but if u differentiate de color of my eyes to yrs I wil do de same. For now thanks atleast mimi u hav toned down xpect de same frm me
ba rodrick #35, you are right. These guys from the so called western P in particular the Lozi hav ka abnormal attitudes towards other tribes. Look, there are even failing to get united with the nkoyas, mbundas and others in the same area. They think if they seperate from zm they will be free and develop their ka small area. no way. to tell u Lozis u need to first change yourselfish minds and consider and love other tribes or else u will remain in the same underdeveloped area.
In summary, there’s a reason why subjects still render their allegiance to chiefs, more than their alleged ‘elected’ politicians. For as long as we continue to ‘elect’ corrupt and self-serving, narcissistic politicians in this country, subjects will always see value in their chiefs. And as long as there is so much illiterate in our village people, it would be difficult to convince them to do away with their traditional chiefs. You have to understand that it’s not the government that have made traditional chiefs relevant to this day and age but their subjects. Maybe the author should have explored why our chiefs are still seen as relevant in the eyes of our people.
I’m afraid it will take more than just cosmetic laws or PR visits to change the status quo.
What can you lozi people do that can develop your so called “barotse land”
Jigga you seem to have so much time on this blog.Can you summarise your contributions?Next we shall be subjected to the myth and fact which only makes sense to yourself.
Yes I do Pippa… so do you it appears. Is this the case of the Kettle calling Pot black? :)
I had my summary in my last comment at #71… revisit and read and make a comment about my contributions and not how much time I have on the blog.
Fun how people want to always pick up unnecessary ‘fights’? Not with me lady, you will have to dress more to get to my brains :)
Zemuntu, I do not know what you mean when you talk about tribe. You can revisit both your postings and mine and see who is talking tribe between us. Let me assure that I have long gone past that stage of tribe that why I can’t believe that you are still so much into that nonsense. And I honestly think people who are still at that level are deranged, you will excuse me if that sounds tribal.
Good to hear that Mimi has gone beyond the tribal mentality at long last.But looking back you were among the lot backing the tribal kingdom,unless I am talking about a different Mimi.
Patriotism is the last refuge for the scoundrel, always! When Chiluba crafted his first cabinet, it was so Bemba centric and the erosion of the fabric of One Zambia One Nation had in ernest truly begun. Look at all the appointments Sata has since coming into power made, nearly 99% Bemba. This is the gas fueling all these secessionist moves, it is the context within which the need to break put arises. The quest to heal the symptoms leaving the real causes still festering big time is a mission in futility and will only hasten the break up of Zambia. Appointing stupid *****s like GBM, Sakeni and Kambwili to cabinet while leaving out honourable and experienced people like Harrington, Kasuka Mutukwa etc is recipe to secession.
@mimi,its gud if u hav changed yr tribal tok otherwise I was applying newtons third law of motion. U c we’re in de 21st century even wen de issue of ba64 is real but just de way u pipo come out.its nt gd to start condemin a certain grouping over de ills of certain individuals and den use a generalization. U c genocide in rwanda started by a few disgruntled publications like wat we’re seein wit dis discraditd watchdog were dey r only promoting hate speech.de more dey do dat they incite tribes to rise against eachother. M hap for the maturity of lusaka times pliz keep it up. As for watchdog if its upnd running it pliz restragise so dat u can win doubtin thomases like me
@ Pippa You sure are talking about a different one. I am way above that. If I mention any tribe them its about advising whoever is insulting. Am sorry try pa neighbour.
Pippa. And by the way, I hope you do not confuse supporting the BA64 being tribal coz I am a die hard supporter of that. I don’t see anything tribal about BA64 or even going federal because some people want to assume the big brother attittude which is utter nonsense.
Mimi nothing tribal about supporting a ‘worthy’ cause.
Certain forms of political and constitutional dispute are common to federations. One issue is that the exact division of power and responsibility between federal and regional governments is often a source of controversy.Another common issue in federal systems is the conflict between regional and national interests, or between the interests and aspirations of different ethnic groups.Now looking at this BA64 with all the controversies surround the signing and on what terms the agreement is based on,I hope that people like you who advocating secession have studied the whole thing.
@Pippa, I hear you but I think supporting BA64 does not mean seceeding. The issue of seceeding has come about as a result of not honoring the BA64. As the situation is emerging in Zambia federal governance would be the well to go not withstanding its negative side. Every system has its own pros and cons and we look at where the balance tilts most in a given situation and circumstances. Let everyone have a say in managing their affairs then that way no one will feel alienated and disadvantaged.
We were not part of u and we do not want you, why do you want us so bad?? Leave us alone bafikala. You are prepared to kill us so that we are part of you leave us alone bafikala ninshi chibeleshi.
Sata is to blame for worsening the situation in Western Province.
Well, the western province seems to be lagging behind in development because of the issue of the land which is vested in the Litunga. Land being the most importnat factor of production is in the wrong hands..mark my word.. Go to western province now and point a figure at a none western who has title to peoductive land there…none n thats food for thought…