By Henry Kyambalesa
During the 1960s, we harbored very high and somewhat unrealistic expectations about the socio-economic prospects of our beloved country, Zambia. Equating independence with not only self-rule, but also with genuine democracy and prosperity, we strongly believed that the transfer of political power from colonial to Zambian hands would create greater opportunities for us to enhance our socio-economic well-being.
Unfortunately, political freedom could not deliver its promises, and disappointment soon ensued. The early euphoria, therefore faded within a few years of political freedom when, in 1972, UNIP imposed a one-party political system on the people. As could be expected, the single-party system could not tolerate dissent or criticism, which could have been essential in moderating the behavior of political actors. (It is perhaps important to note here that current MMD leaders and hooligans are equally and perhaps more dangerously averse to criticism and dissent.)
Stuck at a political, social and economic cul-de-sac, Zambia seemed to be heading to calamity when the ripples of democratization and freedom from Eastern Europe reached the country. Taking advantage of the new wind of change, the resilient Zambian civil society got out of hibernation and implored the UNIP administration to liberalize the country’s political system. Again, Zambians reconnected with expectations in 1991 when they voted for the MMD to rule the country.
But, once again, the renewed sense of hope has been waning rapidly over the years due to the realization that it takes more than a multi-party system to redress decades of socio-economic decay and backwardness.
But how could a country that is endowed with abundant natural and human resources find itself in a predicament whereby 64% of its citizens are wallowing in abject poverty? The answer lies in what may be referred to as the “leadership problematique.” The need for a new cadre of leaders in Zambia is, therefore, overdue—leaders who understand the Gordian knot of the country’s plight and are in a hurry to move it forward in huge strides in order to change its current trajectory.
Let us consider a classification of nation-states paraphrased from a multitude of literary sources to determine Zambia’s current status. The sources include: Amoako, K.Y., “Governance for a Progressing Africa: Opening Statement at the Second Africa Governance Forum,” Accra, Ghana, June 25, 1998; and Kyambalesa, H., “The 27th Ordinary Summit of SADC,” a Press Release prepared for Heads of State and Government who attended the 27th Ordinary Summit of SADC in Lusaka, Zambia between August 10 and 18, 2007.
(a) The Patrimonial State: A nation-state in which government leaders treat the state as their own piece of property.
(b) The Predatory State: A nation-state in which government officials look upon the citizenry as prey for their rapacious greed.
(c) The Shadow State: A nation-state that is generally characterized by informal political networks and a shadow national economy.
(d) The Collapsed State: A nation-state in which common people are generally left to their own devices while government officials revel in conspicuous, state-financed luxury.
(e) The Repressive State: A nation-state where leaders impose sufficient repression to keep their opponents weak and maintain their own power, while adhering to enough democratic formalities that they might just pass themselves off as democrats. And
(f) The Criminal State: A nation-state where the government is oblivious to crimes committed by government leaders and the elite, individuals with criminal records are appointed to positions of authority, and/or government leaders and the elite are engaged in criminal activities, such as money laundering, drug trafficking, human trafficking, or corrupt practices.
Zambia is predominantly a “repressive state,” and mildly portrays some elements of the other kinds of nation-states. What do other Zambians think?
The challenge for the Zambian government is to create what I may refer to as the “propitious state,” that is, a nation-state whose government embraces the following elements of good governance in both word and deed: accountability, transparency, rule of law, citizen participation, and a free press.
By the way, it is meaningless to talk about Zambia becoming “the hub of Africa” as though such a status can be achieved merely through abracadabra without making massive investments in education and training, public health and sanitation, agriculture and food security, public infrastructure, and so forth.
In fact, there is a need to periodically reduce taxes and interest rates in order to stimulate economic activity and job creation. Government revenue that would be lost through lower income and value-added taxes could be recouped through to be paid by new workers, and by abolishing the positions of Deputy Minister, District Commissioner and other locally based sinecures, as well as sinecures in foreign missions.
what is this? who doesnt know problems faced by zambian pipo?
I dont understand this either. Is it sour grapes?
All the 4 “new” leaders Zambia has had started very well until they realised “power is sweet”.
Is “grapes” a swear word?
Is g.r.a.p.e.s. a swear word?
Kyambalesa, you are my mentor. I really enjoy your commentaries and wich you could package them in one packet for other who have no access to LT can read. Keep up the fire burning by informing and educating. God bless
Interest rates are coming down. In fact with the introduction of the overnight rate, the interest rates are set to go down even further.
Excellent, simple and straight forward article. Although I disagree when you say “Zambia is predominantly a “repressive state,” and mildly portrays some elements of the other kinds of nation-states”. Zambia is deeply every negative you have mentioned above. In fact thats why Zambia is so behind in the presence of abundance.
We really focus too much on the negatives that we fail to even appreciate certain things. criticism isnt just about painting a picture of doom and total chaos! it is true our country has had difficulties in many sectors, but cant it be true that zambia has made great strides in areas of democracy and press freedom, especially since independence?
Interesting piece but the author seem to have forgotten that the leaders we have started learning about leadership from the village setup which is idealogically different from the western style that the author yearns. We are learning how to run this country in a way where all citizens partake an enjoy. It will took western countries more than 100 years to be where they are. we have been run this country by ourselves for only 43 years. We will get there. Maybe not in the authors life but Zambia will rise.
Good morning
Thats a very detailed problematique but worth reading because the more peoples’ eyes are open to the kind of repressive state they’re living in, the more they become conscious to the need for change.
IT’S STILL THE ECONOMY, STUPID
In politics, the economy is everything while all other things merely fall in place on economic terms. A stable and growing economy is important capital. This is why political losers have been resorting to “acts of aberration” to divert or preoccupy the Banda administration from national development fearing that a strong and stable economy would be against them. They have realized that RB is a tenacious altruistic leader set for serious business that will soon trickle the prosperity to the people.
It is the RB administration that has weathered a historic Global economic storm that leaving many national economies breeding. The future is very bright for this country.
IT’S STILL THE ECONOMY, S-T-U-P-I-D
In politics, the economy is everything while all other things merely fall in place on economic terms. A stable and growing economy is important capital. This is why political losers have been resorting to “acts of aberration” to divert or preoccupy the Banda administration from national development fearing that a strong and stable economy would be against them. They have realized that RB is a tenacious altruistic leader set for serious business that will soon trickle the prosperity to the people.
It is the RB administration that has weathered a historic Global economic storm that leaving many national economies breeding. The future is very bright for this country.
President RB as Graduate of Economic History knows better that “tough times can breed fear”. Hence his administration is steadfastly turning tables for prosperity while arresting the loss of jobs through economic stabilization, activities and support of the private sector creating much needed jobs. RB knows that political failures want to use economic fears to push an agenda that is tired, dangerous, and could rob the country of economic freedom, national unity and enduring stability.
No doubt in real voter decision making, the economy tops the list of the issues rational voters base their choice on. It’s the economy and economy as most important in their vote for president. Other Democratic matters are secondary especially if the opponents are known to have no democratic credentials but thuggery.
Social and economic challenges facing the country created over Generations cannot be outdone in a span of 365 days. RB has put his act together and the country is recording very important gains on which the prosperity of this country will be found on.RB is moving the country’s failed economic engines into efficient ones that will propell real growth, stability and wealth for all.I challenge Henry to move beyond blog threads for a live public televised debate on fundamental issues on a day of his choosing.
Oh my goodness where did this charlatan come from? Within 365 days RB has changed the tone of the nation from rather poignant discussion to low-level juvenile blethering. None of the African countries around us have been severely affected by the global recession because of the levels of risk exposure that were almost non-existent. So your point, my dear fellow, is infact moot. Kyambalesa has dextrously penned my thoughts better than I possibly could have. We do need a crop of leaders that is more in touch with the needs of today and that is not living in times past. Leaders with gravitas and the political savvy to understand the intricacies of global politics.
Mr. Veteran
Do you ever take a break from praising RB and his government? Whenever there’s a political thread, you’re always quick to unleash your long theories of praise – you sound like an MMD Minister of propaganda.
My own outlook on life to put it simply is about functioning as a human being, i.e. washing and dressing, eating, work, rest, maintaining a sense of humour, enjoying good times and tolerating the darker hours. I don’t think we can control the destiny of Zambia by blogging but I will never stop hoping that better days will come our way.
Excellent article! I agree that the answer to becoming a successful nation is having true leadership. We need to have leaders who desire to be remembered for the great contribution they made to shaping our nation not those looking to live a luxury life and defending their position in power at all costs. One would ask why Zambia with so many natural resources never manufactures anything and all it does is sell raw materials and buy improved products at 10 times the revenue they collected. Poor leadership is the reason. Zambians need to understand that the only way they will be liberated is to understand the importance of holding their leaders accounted. This will only be achieved if we work to change leaders we are not happy with. Lets us work for generations not only for ourselves now!!
A well writen peace of information and I couldn’t agree more to its contents. Zambia certainly desrves better and I confident better times are just around the horison. As with regards to ‘Veteran’, he does not have the country at heart to have agreed being held at ransom by RB. He is a sellout. Imagine if he was in charge when foreigners were getting mining rights?
Nine Chale et al, you amaze me by your double tongues. You are very free to condemn, castigate, insult, hate, demean RB and his supporters in any possible way and media (except for govt for obvious reasons), yet you say RB is undemocratic. Lusakatimes is a perfect example of the freedom of expression clearly allowed in this country. The Post Newspaper, 6 out of 7 days, the headline demeans or reports negatives about RB. Yet The Post still lives. In a repressive society as u define Zambia to be, do u honestly think this is possible? Is there any1 who has been repressed in Zambia? What policy is a repressive policy in Zambia? If there is 1, tell me and I will tell u who is working on it to be changed and given time, it will be changed. Pls be fair.
Finally from #20, supporting RB is not evil in a democracy. Pls allow opposing views. If not, you are creating a monster. What has been ingrained in Zambians’ minds right now is to hear negativity. If it puts Zambia down, then its good. Whether the information is factual or not. The writer has not referred to any factual proof or substantiated his accusations of how Zambia is ‘repressive’. It is a figment of his own creation in his own mind. The story fits well with the current national feeling of hurt. Even when something is good, we find an excuse to make it sound bad, and we believe it. Any1 condemning it we ‘stone’ them with words of threat. We make them feel out of place. Yet the truth remains.
continued…
It does not help to keep something that happened in 1970 and say that is how Zambia remains today. And the 1 causing it is RB. No. Let us analyse things properly and effectively. We are all mature and well thinking educated lot, at least those that blog on LT. We know how the difference btwn Bluetooth and yellow tooth, at least. LT, your posts, as an educator, do not help going unresearched. If it is an opinion, it’s ok. But not in an article purporting to represent a fact. Pls substantiate the assertion: how is Zambia ‘repressive’? What makes it all those other negatives? How has it deteriorated or improved? What’s the way forward? (if possible). That will make it professional and believable.
Zambian politics has become religious cult: Believe the bad about GRZ and Rupiah or you burn in hell. And don’t mention anything wrong with our cult leader, or we’ll burn you here. And the fearsome, the weaklings, the directionless, feeble-minds, all follow..
Am going off 4 another break from LT. Too much ubututu, lack of foresight…
Fr Bwalya >>>> Good statement. Some of us are feed up of hearing RB everyday. But I strongly believe that the only good thing that can help is … The republican presi should cease supporting one party in a multiparty system.. No support or campaign for his political party during his tenure.
Govt should compress of ministers from different political parties for strong governance and a check balance. There are many fine brains in the opposition who can play an important role in the development of country if there was team work among MPs
Fr Bwalya 20-23 it would have been wiser for you to let me explain myself first before taking on me with your 4 posting epistles. The artical defines a repressive state as a state “where leaders impose sufficient repression to keep their opponents weak and maintain their own power, while adhering to enough democratic formalities that they might just pass themselves off as democrats.”
I think it is only fair to allow people to judge for themselves whether or not Zambia under RB is a repressive state and this is what I completely endorse. If they feel that the judicial system is too state-controlled, there is no transparency or accountability for the use of public funds and too much of the country’s wealth is in the hands of foreigners, they have a legitimate cause to call for change.
(a) + (b) + (d) = Failed State
Zambia = (a) + (b) + (d)
Therefore:
Zambia = Failed State
QED
true man ..true henry..zambia is at cross roads…oh !!cry my beloved country!!
The current political situation in Zambia is, to put it in the legendary African freedom fighter Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, a tragic failure of leadership. What is so flawed too that has enabled wholly inadequate beings like Chiluba and Bwezani to ascend to power is the tribal bigotry and opportunism that bedevils most Zambian minds, educated or not, in virtually all their decision making processes. It can only be in Zambia that a charlatan character like Bwezani can defeat Magande or worse still a thieving and clearly tailed Iturian pygmy like Chiluba can defeat upright men and women like Chongwe, Inonge or Mazoka. As long as this bigotry persists, Zambia is doomed.
I almost puked reading about Godfrey Miyanda talking about the need to reject tribal politics by creating a platform of decency in politics in Zambia. This is the character who once staged a coup detat and upon being discovered legged it off to Zaire. As many Zambians would recall, it was Miyanda who was acting president when KK and Chongwe were nearly killed in Kabwe. Those policeman would not have the guts to shoot at KK and Chongwe, they only did this at the behest of no other than chi Miyanda so he should just shut up and not talk about decency because he has zero decency himself.
Umukalamba Veteran Senior Citizen Ben Kangwa wama inde bwana. Muzungu anikonde. Mudala kwati ali choir master and pa Kamwala singing for KK in those old days. I remember his reaction when the so called “Party Headquarters” got burned before completion. He almost cried because of job as shushushu at Hone. We laughed. Now the praise is on RB. Everything Banda does is honey to him. Oh, thank you for accepting my correcting you on calling Banda an Economist while he did History. You are learning, for sure before you leave the US and this blog, you will learn more mudala.
Veteran is doing a disservice to the MMD through his meaningless contributions on the blogs. It is only that some leaders in the MMD are daft and they think that he is doing a good job at the Zambian Embassy in the United States. And Rupiah Banda should discourage MMD cadres like Veteran to stop parading his (Rupiah’s) outdated academic credentials, which he obtained over 40 years ago when a good number of modern economic theories had not yet been enanciated. Meaningless postings by Veteran are one of the major reasons contributing to the downward slide in MMD’s popularity, for how can a party with such daft individuals galvanize the people’s support?
Face it you charlatans, RB is doing better than any of you wishes (sata) would have managed to do in his life time.
Good article indeed!
i yoo kwena zoona