By Mwatula Chiti Bsc. Econ & Fin, LLM – International Relations
A historic wind of change has swept across the peaceful nation of Zambia, as the nation ushers in its 7th President after a dramatic record-breaking General Election. On the 12th of August 2021, an air of silent expectation was palpable across the nation. Zambians rose up early to queue up at their respective polling stations in readiness to cast their votes in the long awaited Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections. Pictures were circulated on social media platforms showing how some citizens spent the previous night, vigilantly waiting for their change to be among the first to cast their vote. It was a ‘do or die’ election, particularly for the Youth of Zambia.
Before we applaud the Youth across the nation for exhibiting such an applaudable spirit of unity and assertiveness, lets begin by briefly deciphering what caused the wind of change among the young people.
The last 5 years under the Patriotic Front Government saw the nation’s economy degenerate and its currency losing value at an astronomical rate; depreciating from trading at ZMW 5.25 per US Dollar in 2016 to ZMW 22.21 Per US Dollar (Temporally currently trading at ZMW19.25 after implementing monetary policy gymnastics in frantic attempts to improve the situation two weeks prior to polling day). This was just one of many issues which irked the Zambian Youth over the last few Years.
Another cardinal area in which the previous regime mismanaged the plight of the Youth was the education sector. The cries of Lecturers and University students fell on deaf ears numerous times. Rather than cordially reaching out to students; On 4th October 2018, Police Officers were deployed to disperse a non-violent students’ protest at the University of Zambia main campus. Excessive force was used on the unarmed students; leading to the injury of several students and the death of a beloved student, Ms Vespers Simuzyila (May her soul rest in peace). The nation was set ablaze with anger and sentiments on the grave injustice and unnecessary violence which lead to the death of a student. Students marched, all clad in black clothing to mourn their late colleague a few days later. Sadly, in response, the powers that be nonchalantly turned a blind eye, hoping that the noise would die a natural death. But the youth took note.
This was evident when on 17th May 2021, Prof Nkandu Luo was appointed as the then Incumbent president’s running mate in the forthcoming elections. Social media was set ablaze with sentiments of shock, anger and disappointment on the selection. Remember it was under Prof. Luo’s regime that government sponsored students’ meal allowances were scrapped away. This was for a progressive reason, but as was her style, the then Minister of education condescendingly issued a number of ‘interesting’ statements which the Youth took record of. Appointing the Youth’s ‘public enemy’ number one was tantamount to poking a healing wound. This Political miscalculation rejuvenated the Youth’s determination to teach this regime a lesson.
A similar series of events calumniated into the Youth being called disgruntled by a named Provincial Minister. This was after plans to hold a peaceful protest by the Youth were thwarted as Police Officers armed to the teeth and clad in heavy anti-protest attires manned the proposed protest site. Enough was enough. It was clear that this regime took the Youth’s voice for granted. The future seemed hopeless. Cadres seemed to have easier access to opportunities and fair dialogue than the average Youth.
Fortunately, the Youth had a Knight in shining amour, lurking in the periphery, waiting for the next political showdown. Now more than ever before, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema warmed up to the Youth. He had evolved politically over the last decade and was nicknamed “Bally”, a slang term used by Zambia Youth to refer to an older man or one’s own father; a respectful name of endearment and hope. Bally’s Facebook and Twitter Pages exhibited more and more interaction with the Youth, taking their concerns and trends to heart. Mr Hichilema and team had found a diamond in the rough. The message was clear. For a better future, stamping out corruption, improvement of the education system and general development; Bally was our hope to fix things. The Patriotic Front unfortunately did not truly consider the Youth to be a factor. However, to their detriment, the previous election in 2016 saw President Lungu beat Mr. Hichilema by a mere 100,530 votes, a figure which the Youth of one province alone could overturn.
The deed was done, the Youth turned out in numbers, standing in long queues for hours on end, determined to leave only after casting their vote. By Sunday afternoon, 15th August, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema was leading by over 700,000 votes. Clearly headed for a landslide victory.
Robert Green’s famous 48 laws of power offer some priceless nuggets of wisdom worth noting. Law number 3 and 4 state the following; ‘Conceal Your intentions’ and ‘Always say less than necessary’. There is a certain type of silence which is ‘loud’; and this silence is what the Zambian Youth used to usurp the system. The incumbent regime knew that the Youth wanted change but they did not know to what extent and how desperate we were.
In conclusion, a famous local saying accurately summarize the Youth’s expectations: “Uwa kwensha ubushiku ba mutasha nga bwacha.” Meaning, you can only thank the person who helped you walk in the night once it is dawn. The most beneficial things are difficult to implement, but once implemented everyone can see the benefits and are grateful. We congratulate His Excellency, the 7th President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mr. Hakainde Hichilema on his election. We humbly implore him to remember what we endured and how Youth from 10 provinces, with the support of our middle aged and senior citizens voted in large numbers, putting their hope in the hands of a valiant courageous Leader. Remember US your Excellency. We Love You. One Zambia One Nation!!
Job well done…Congrats President HH.
Ba mwankole finally are gone and we have a new start! While majority were busy insulting and calling the UPND tribal, the entire country had come to appreciate the party and president HH for their standing. Many lessons have been learnt through this election especially the manner PF conducted themselves and treated the opposition. Zambia really needed this new start and hopefully the UPND have equally learnt to take the people of Zambia first and avoid the arrogance perpetuated by the outgoing regime. May we learn to live and embrace each other no matter the political affiliation, as the people have demonstrated in these elections.
Congratulations!
This is a victory for all Zambians.
Lungu’s politically driven Kwacha appreciation vs $ US Dollar dirty gymnastics did not work .Instead it is PF/Lungu that plummeted fast and furious.
As right lawlessness not torrelated
He’s been employed….his mission accomplished…now he’s in State House so forget….I heard he’s asking people to exercise patience….he said it might take 5 to 5 years to see any changes but during campaigning he told youths he will create employment as soon as he enters State House……NO MORE POLITICS OF FAKE PROMISES….YOU WILL BE SHOWN THE DOOR
Remember your promises 2 days after being sworn in the US$ will be K5
NO MORE POLITICS OF FAKE PROMISES
Congrats h².
What we need are two important speeches.
1. Concessions Speech from team PF’s outgoing president aka POTROZ – securing 1,814,201 in 155.
2. Victory Speech from team now UPND’s president aka POTROZ elect – securing 2,810,757 in 155. The gentleman is now recognized.
I said I would judge one ECL in my personal capacity after his tenure. Gentleman, we can’t take it from you, you did it infrastructure-wise and many other areas. I personally rate you higher than previous Governments under the present conditions and time but you know how it is people wanted change. Don’t feel bad. Maybe your attention drifted a bit from peoples cries…
I hope this is a lesson to political parties not to campaign on hate speech . I hope PF has learned a lesson. Congratulations UPND and the Incoming President HH
…maybe not. Maybe we have set a maximum of 2 terms for any Party, maybe not. But you can’t finish everything thing. You are a Lawyer, Zambia has had 2 Lawyers in office, one teacher, one unionist, one police officer. The other lawyer was strong on paper economy where we head of lower inflation rate, strong Kwacha, steady economic indicators and all goodies that go with it. You got it infrastructure-wise for me and many other fronts. Now it’s the corporate kid. An economist. A farmer. I/we will judge him after his tenure too.
Advise:
Victory! How sweet it sounds to the winning team. I felt it under PF not under MMD after the rude shock that characterized team UPND after MAZOKA’s loss. Like every win, the sensation lasts but for a little while.
Team PF.
All is not lost after this big shock now you experienced both in Opposition and in Government. What an immense amount of experience! Don’t disband. You won’t have it easy but you can remain in there and offer experienced checks and balances. You boast of intact structures, keep to your word but like I said, you won’t have it easy.
Advise
Team UPNDEAD now UPND
The mountain is high to crimb. While your celebration lasts, Zambians expectations are extremely high in the present state in all walks of life.
Can you kindly prudently manage our national resources? Allow Zambians to have a bigger chunk of shares in their resources.
The Gold mines. Kindly ensure that you increase the Gold reserves in our coffers among others. Remember that as you claim to rid Zambia of corruption, the fight won’t be won in a day or two, a year or two. It is an ongoing battle. If you can get rid of it in a day, kudos, otherwise, endeavor to reduce it as much as you can. I am watching your Manifesto.
My 9year old daughter told me to
shift to state house if I and my wife vote for PF.
What vision did my child had is the question I keep on asking myself.
Team PF
To the outgoing party including outgoing POTROZ and CICOTAFS, you have a right to contest the results you dispute in 3 provinces to showcase iligality and the claimed nullity only for the record but that will still not change the results there at least not now. Also remember that UPND came to your bedroom with force thus this white wash in the 50% +1 win status qou.
Key:
POTROZ is President Of The Republic Of ZAMBIA.
CICOTAFS is Commander In Chief Of The Armed Forces.
The two rare titles.
Imwe baswahini have changed your mind..
Go ahead with your insults on HH. Zero.
We have a new president under a new party.
There is a lot of damage that was done to the country during the reign of trror of pf. It is not going to be easy. There are debts to repay , lives to rebuild and don’t forget COVID is still around, but with determination.
One Zambia One Nation. There is no Tonga , Kaonde Losi Tumbuka ,Bisa of Luvale. We are all Zambians. Lets hold each other to rebuild this country.
This a a victory for every Zambian. We are one and we will work together to make Zambia a better nation. It requires every Zambian to contribute. HH alone can not make the country a better nation.
B.astard KZ where are you – you i.diot. What about your rubbish PVT that you said you have won. Now Bowoman is crying ifimina in Ndola. I thought he was a courageous man who dared HH but he is crying like a baby in Ndola – what a disaster…. kikikiki!!!! We are coming for you Bowman we want our money = the cash that you stole from government we need it like yesterday. We are also arresting your past president for treason. He forced to be on the ballot when he did not even qualify to be on the ballot. Ba Sangwa come and guide us on this one also. Atleast I know ECL should be arrested for treason.
Bally
I salute the youth of this great nation for coming of age. You have set the stand on the African continent. Congratulations to the president elect! It’s over let’s get to work to build our beloved country Zambia.
GOD BLESS ZAMBIA
ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION
TIYENDE PAMODZI
WE CAN NOW HOPE & DREAM AGAIN
To the newly elected UPND government: Create job opportunities for young people by reverting back to the retirement age of 55 and retire all those who are 55 and above
People of Zambia congratulations..whether you voted for UPND or PF ,we are one Zambia one nation,we love you all..
Finally we wish well our former president HE ECL in future.. the stupidity of PF carders and incopentence ministers has costed our Party..we would have listened to our people’s cry but we failed..
Let’s keep peace and love one another.
Thank you.
where is the id1ot KZ and Stup!d Lungu, are they hiding much!sush!….. baller yakosa. Can this loser of a mor0n Lungu spend 128 days in jail with sh!tting himself.. I bet two days is enough for him to sign like a bird
I agree with the observations from the writer . Ignore a tech savvy youth at your own risk. Arrogance was increasing rampant among the PF and Lungu. PF thought the country can be run on autopilot Leadership is hands on and ongoing. You only came out of the woods when the time ya KUSALA came by. There was no consistency in the PF Plan. It is my wish and prayer that UPND will be more organized and articulate their VISION and VALUES and chart the way they want to take Zambia in the next 10 yrs. We wish you all the success you deserve.
Kaizar Kaizar Kaizar kikikikikikikikiki
The jig is up boy
Hands behind your back and you have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law.
Kaizar boy, humility is very important. No more drinking alcohol on the Presidential jet
We shall get back what belongs to the people from every one of you Ba Mambala
Well done HH, UPND and the youths of Zambia. The message has been loud and clear. Time to rekindle the good image Zambia had before. The last 10 years under PF has been like unending nightmare.
Where is the arrogant Kaizer Zulu? Let’s hear now who has the last laugh.
I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATUALATE MY FELLOW ZAMBIANS FOR TURNING UP IN HUGE NUMBERS ON EMPTY TUMMIES TO CAST YOUR VOTES WHICH HAS RESULTED INTO VOTING OUTN THE MOST CORRUPT, INPET, UNCARING AND THIEVING REGIME. ECL AND HIS CREST FALLEN PF MAFIA DID NOT HEED EARLY WARNING SIGNS FROM THOSE WHO OFFERED CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS ALWAYS YOUR JEALOUS OF THE HUMBLE LEADER HE HAS TO CONTINUE TO FINISH HIS PROJECTS. HE HAS BUILT INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSFORMED THE FACE OF LUSAKA AND THE COUNTRY AT LARGE. WAIT A MINUTE LUNGU AND HIS GANG HAD BECOME THE ALFA AND OMEGA. THEY RUN OUT OF IDEAS AND RESORTED TO BLACK MAIL, INTIMIDATION, MANIPULATION AND REWARDING THROUGH APPOINTMENTS LIKE IN CASE OF JUDGES AND PROMOTIONS, PROMOTING TRIBALISM, REGIONALISM AND PITTING PEOPLE AGAINST EACH…
Celebrating elections which were marred by violence and the killing of pf members, you call this democracy? You should be ashamed. I woke up the same successful kaizar this morning, did you wake up any richer now that your hh has supposedly won an unfair election
What we need is a fast track court, at-most 7 days , no tribunals , we need employment done the past one year to be checked , qualifications to be checked.
Ati ” there is no wind of change”. Where is GBM Kanshi ? Not even a whimper.