Government has urged the young people to actively participate in constitutional reform processes so that their voices can be heard.
Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima says the government is committed to enhancing the voice of the young people and has introduced laws that aim at protecting their interests and human rights.
In a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Education, Director of Secondary Education, Yvonne Chuulu at the Zambia Parliamentary Model United Nations Conference in Lusaka , Mr. Syakalima encouraged young people to develop their writing, research and public speaking skills to enable them effectively participate in such processes and voice their opinions.
And United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, James Wakiagi has challenged the student delegates to shape their future by contributing to the resolution of the problems of the 21st century.
Dr. Wakiagi also urged the young delegates to take interest in UN international engagements and for such as the summit for the future that seeks to achieve sustainable development for the future.
Meanwhile, Zambia Law Development Commission Chairperson, Ruth Chibbabbuka said the Commission is one of the series of commemorative activities for the 60th independence anniversary for the country and that the commission values the participation of young people in the law reform process, as their ideas could reveal gaps that could otherwise be missed by law makers.
In a speech read on her behalf by Commissioner, Herick Mpunku, Mrs. Chibbabbuka added that the UN Model conference aims to engage young people in discussions on national issues and help to foster a generation that is knowledgeable about Zambian laws, aware of societal challenges and opportunities and motivated to contribute towards national development.
The conference has drawn students from various high education schools across the country and is being held under the theme: Zambia @60: an introspection of the evolution of the statute book and its contribution to National development.
In light of the national crisis and the precarious state of the economy, “on the verge of shutdown” as described by President Hichlema to the World Bank this week, as well as the intense political turmoil in Zambia, the repeated emphasis on “constitutional reform” by the President is deeply disconcerting.
Prioritizing the resolution of the current economic and political crisis, including tribal divisions, should take precedence over addressing perceived shortcomings in the Constitution.
Notably, SC Sangwa anticipated this scenario and, during the LAZ meeting in Livingstone in 2023, cautioned the President against embarking on this path while Zambia is in dire straits, as it has been for the past three years.
On the other hand, even with supposed gaps, maintaining healthy relations across the political spectrum would serve as the ultimate assurance against a breakdown in the Constitutional order – not solely relying on the document itselfee.
Perhaps we can draw some inspiration from the U.K., which, to this day, does not have a Constitution and has managed quite well for hundreds of years based on established norms, procedures, and political traditions in their Parliament.
Participation in constitutional reform process
Is good but basic needs come first.
Basic needs for politicians are different from basic needs for the man in the street.
Can we pay attention to the challenges we’re facing now instead of diverting attention to things we don’t need at the moment….lets find a lasting solution to our electricity crisis……without electricity we won’t have a country and when we don’t have a country we don’t need a constitution
“find a lasting solution to our electricity crisis..”
Do you know that if you put what you have just said on a poster and stood next to the freedom statue in Lusaka you would travel to Chimbokaila faster than the speed of light?
Do you want electricity or elections???
Syakalima takes the cake in Double tongue talk. He is telling youths to talk while his party is busy locking them up for doing that.
In this speech, Syakalima just went to Chimbokaila and told Jason Mwanza, Thomas Zulu and Chanda Chikwanka “Speak up we want to hear you so we can lock you up like we have just done.”
Its an insult to Zambia’s citizens
Just two months ago UPND Police arrested four people who were protesting against loadshedding at ZESCO Headquarters. Yet UPND promised us freedom of speech. It looks like they were busy promising what they dont understand. No actually they do. They just wanted a ticket into power. Citizens ! Let us not believe politicians. They are liars, these corrupt bullies.
Some have voiced their concerns and were detained
so what are you saying
“President Hichilema poses for a picture with some youth during the National Youth Indaba”
YOUTHS! He is just using you!!