I wish to comment on Vice-President George Kunda’s shameless call for a financial stimulus package financed by Western countries, which appeared in the Times of Zambia of September 15, 2009 under the title “Africa deserves financial stimulus package – Veep.” He made the call during a high-level meeting of Eastern and Southern Africa and Indian Ocean (ESA-IO) regions and the European Commission.
The call is an embarrassment to the people of Zambia. It shows that we have actually failed to govern ourselves almost 45 years after independence. Besides, the Honorable Vice-President should know that some leaders in developed economies are being accused by their people of misusing public resources by bailing out failing local companies. One can easily surmise what would happen to such leaders if they decided to bail out mismanaged African economies.
As I have often maintained, donor countries do not have unlimited resources; they have to make do with scarce resources by going through public expenditures line by line, program by program, agency by agency, department by department, and ministry by ministry in order to eliminate unnecessary application of public funds. We need to start doing the same in order to wean our beloved country from its current dependence on donor funding.
In January 2009, the Vice-president was quoted as having defended the bloated Zambian Cabinet as follows: “I believe that our government is of the right size, representative and effective. I know that there have been calls from many sections of society to reduce the size of our Cabinet, but I think it is the right size.”
There is a need for the government to perform existing and planned essential government functions with a smaller number of Cabinet Ministers by abolishing some of the government ministries which do not seem to add any value to the dispensation of public services, and merging some of the ministries which have similar functions.
Civil servants in ministries to be abolished or merged should be encouraged to seek early retirement with full benefits. Professional and skilled civil servants should be re-deployed in the new government ministries, as well as in government agencies.
There is also a need to abolish the positions of Deputy Minister, Provincial Minister, Provincial Permanent Secretary and District Commissioner, as well as reduce the number of Zambia’s foreign embassies by having clusters of countries to be served by single embassies.
To paraphrase Mr. Bill Clinton’s words, there is a need for us to create a government that is smaller, that lives within its means, and that does more with less. Otherwise we will continue to embarrass ourselves by continuing to beg for assistance from wealthy nations.[quote]
And we will continue to be chastised by some officials in donor countries who rightly or wrongly believe that Africa lacks competent people to provide sound leadership in commerce, industry and government. The following words of an unnamed aid official quoted by Timberlake on page 199 of his book entitled Africa in Crisis: The Causes, the Cures of Environmental Bankruptcy (published by New Society Publishers in 1986) should, therefore, not be surprising: “In a sense, we’re talking about … sending smart white boys in to tell them how to run their countries.”
Clearly, we need leaders who are willing to develop new attitudes, skills and strategies in order to wrestle successfully with the complex and volatile socio-economic conditions of our time. And such leaders should be technocrats, and not clueless figureheads like a good number of those incompetents who are in President Rupiah Banda’s administration who seem to be preoccupied with promoting the interests of the ruling party and its members.
Zambians are fed up of government leaders whose functions seem to be that of whining and bickering day in, day out.
But why should’nt we aks from the west. They are the ones that caused the problem of credit crunch. Remember colonialism also impacted on us. So we should not feel ashamed to ask, but this does not mean that we cannot solve our own problems.
Maybe we should be re-colonized?? We were premature when we got our independence thus we will forever have that Western Aid ambilical cord tied to us. It is obvious after 45 years we really have nothing to show for except……. Cant’ think of anything.
Nambala 1 Jazzie Jazzie there’s nothing wrong with getting help from the West once in a while if the purpose is to make us totally self-dependant. The problem arises when our leaders make it their main preoccupation to scout for funds, which often end up grossly mismanaged or embezzled, leaving us in the same position as before.It is time our leaders realised that as long as we totally rely on Western aid, we are not living our own lives but the donors are living it for us.
The credit crunch set the entire world economy ablaze and each nation must put out it’s own fire. The Germans have successfully applied proactive crisis management and the crisis here is over. Those who wait for others to stimulate them will soon be driven by events and will no longer be able to control their…
contd. ….destiny. In other words, if Africa wishes to shape it’s own future in spite of the crisis, we must stop depending on Western hand outs and apply our own proactive crisis management. We must ride ahead of the crest of the economic wave and take appropriate preventive measures to avoid us from being the hardest hit everytime the world bleeds. This is where our presidents, ministers, economists and Bankers come in.
Honestly, this could be a wake up call for the poverty striken masses in Zambia… let there be a stimulus package and probably, unemployment benefit too….. who knows????
Why cant we run our own economies, we stop depending on colonial masters, anyway it will be difficult to get money from the donors, because these countries have got its own problems, the earlier we cleaned our govts the better!
Jazzie Jazzie…lol. “They are the ones that caused the problem of credit crunch” very funny. Anyways far as i can remember zambia has been in a recession since kaya, long time. We,ve been losing jobs since the UBZ, mwaiseni, zambia airways collapse in the 90’s? mining also not stable for years, agriculture downhill, farmers bank went down, cooperative collapsed. Livingstone motor vehicle assembly plant shut down and many factories, companies, banks have shut there businesses.
We need more than a stimulus package, maybe a new government that say and do not, talk only and that stmulus package on top.
#3 those are words of wisdom and you are a real thinker. Does any one know the relationship btn this article and one on this this link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8256643.stm?
I think the echoed words are really mature and those of you contributing like the wise #3 would recall that the Chiluba govt once promoted decentralisation of govt. while we try to be self reliant we need to learn the tools to personal survival, and that is be able to manage ourselves with the little that we got. Zambia for instance has enough resources to take care of 75% of its problems. Until the country folks make priorities and stick to the right principal they are not going anywhere. Secondly we need to adopt a “sacrificial” attitude. Put the future first and not live like you dying tomorrow.
There we go begging again. When are we ever going to get our house together? Maybe Kunda can stimulate the economy by selling Mpundus’s suits and shoes. What a bunch of jokers.
#7 Zambia has not been in recession but depression for a very long time. In our culture and Bible we are encouraged to take care of our families but our national leaders think otherwise. They yearn for handouts all the time shamelessly. True our colonial masters ripped us off but after independence we have been begging them to continue ripping us off by selling our companies at laughable prices, asking for help all the time even when we can do it, accepting their conditions regardless. To sell our minerals we go thru a nation that has none in it’s soil. The braindrain is enriching other nations and not ours. Our leadership is about vengeance and shutting up people oppossing. Leaders are not accountable to anyone and that is one of the major flaws in our system. Vengeance even on monkeys.
I have worked with bazungus here in the diaspora and there is no difference between them and us in terms of intelligence and ability and yet we think they are superior to us. They seem to have made it because of the right attitude and thinking for the future. But us we think of attaining and maintaining our wrong status at all costs. George Kunda, do you realise that the money you beg for is actually paid for by the citizens of those nations. World Vision here, for example, is not funded by the government but the people and they run embarassing adverts on Zambia to appeal for funds. But look at where most of that World Vision money goes, to the employees and not the needy. Chimababa mwandi.
We need to think seriously about pan africanism. Zambia as a country is far too small to be economically viable. This goes for most African countries. Our situation is compounded by the fact that we are landlocked. Without creating a single block African market, our chances of overcoming poverty are doomed.
One thing has now long been established in this country, lawyers are the stupidest and most opportunistic professionals. No wonder, at UNZA, all those with poor grades get shafted to the school of humanities and the one-eyed I D I O T S among this blind lot land in the school of law. Now, this is where the “kulimonesha ta” mentality arises, theirs is a study of adaptation and survival with treachery and legal jargon as tools used to cheat and amass wealth. I hope the next president clips the wings of these wicked vampires!
#9 you are very right in both your contributions and especially that I once worked with these NGOs and many other economic projects in Zambia. The aims and goals of these projects is very good but the implementations are with dogs especially on the grass root. Its one reason that we have to incorporate an awareness project that will include or start from the primary sckool level that which will grow from childhood. We need a project that will bring back every Jim and jack to the drawing board and analyse the failures, weaknesses, and faults of our work ethics.
We need a generation that will recognise the need for a good governance. The whole cabinet must go and if Zambia retains Rupiah sorry it is f o o lish.
#11 Do you realise that there are countries which are lot smallerr than Zambia which are economically viable e.g. UK, Italy, New Zealand and Japan. By the way, most of Japan is mountainous and so is New Zealand. Before countries merge in Africa tradewise, they need to sort out their mess first.
sebente the sunday school teacher!, i think i know you
#16, I wish I was a Sunday School teacher but I am not the one.
give a Black Man tools to Build, He will not build or just half way then Job is finished. But give him a Hamer, he will definitely destroy…………check the sign post on roads destroyed, roads destroyed, windows at school broken, drugs in hospital stolen, AK47 wage war against each other for power…………….should i question, is it because we are Black? wat is wrong with us?
Zambia has a lot that God has given free of charge. Tourism, minerals, water, fertile soils, now oil, peace, intelligent men and women. but Y suffer like this zo-ona? thats my question
Good information but LT needs to be aware that Kyambalesa has plagiarised some other online article I read the other day. Let me find it.
mr kunda should know that the bazungus work hard. here in Australia i have learnt one thing which i ddnt know when i worked in GRZ. HARD WORK is what i have learnt is what we lack in Zambia. + obeying the law. western countries are built on the principal of law and not political part. good laws that do not discriminate are foundation of development
let us work 2gether for our children, and grandchildren to come for mother Zambia. this country can work wonders only if we accept and believe. we need a good political atmosphere. let love one another first to stat developing.
Good point #12. We need to find our own solutions to our problems, and not re solely on foreigners. We are sick and tired of these so-called “investors” looting our country in broad day light. What do these people give back to Zambia? Why is that our country does not make it law for Zambians to be partners with these “investors”. The other day, RB said that Zambians in the diaspora must invest back home. Well, Mr. President how can Zambians invest, when there is no transparency (Zamtel), and investment conditions are not conduicive. Apparently, investment opportunities are better when one is either Chinese or South African. Now, please let us know if there is nothing wrong with this picture.
George Nincompoops Kunda
Bailout. Uhmmm And when you get it – you will stash it in zamtrop account, steal other peoples’ wives and claim it was given to you by well wishers – Bull C**P. Wake up and become self sufficient. TWATUKWA PAFULA.
After heaving reached the HIPC oyr debt cancelled what next. Lets use the money we should have been financing the debt back in the economy. We can do thats the more reason investors are coming to Zed lets have at least 5 – 10 % shares in companies investing in Zed. Plus tax if they wont be in losses. In the same country other mines were closing and other mines went on developing how?
The main problem we have in Zambia at the moment is selfisheness by the leader at the top. When one is placed in a position the first thing they think of is to build a big mansion and drive a big car instead of peforming his duties to improve the financial position of a company or the country. This kind of competition among these big bosses has destroyed our nation. Instead of working in their offices people are busy doing their own businesses. As long as this culture does not change we are very far from developing our country. Sorry to say only few Zambian have a passion for mother Zambia. Its one for himself and God for us all. This kind of thinking has to change for development to take place in this country.
“the Times of Zambia of September 15, 2009 under the title “Africa deserves financial stimulus package – Veep.””
I think we are getting angry at the veep for no apparent reason here. From the words I have quoted, it is clear he was talking about Africa and not Zambia. There are countries in Africa that have fared badly in this global economic recession and they would need some assistance if they are to whether the storm.
Zambia has fared pretty well in terms of this global recession. The world bank stated that Zambia was not affected much by the global recession. The IMF also stated that Zambia will beat forecasts in terms of economic growth for this year. [tbc
The red lipped snake will soon join Teta. His lips???????
cont…
The economy is expected to grow by at least 5% which is a 1% drop from last years growth rates of 6%. The Kwacha has been stabilized and is trading moderately. The stock market is favoring fairly well. On the “doing business” index compiled by the world bank, Zambia has improved in terms of ease of doing business. It is now ranked at #90 from #100 on the world scale and is ranked at #6 out of 42 countries on the sub-sahara African scale in terms of ease of doing business ranking behind South Africa, Mauritius, Namibia, Botswana and Rwanda. It has beaten bigger economies like Nigeria and Kenya in terms of ease of doing business. Zambia is doing ok in this global recession.
Does Zambia need a stimulus? In my opinion, it does not. Does Africa need a stimulus? Yes IMO.
Thanks Mr Capitalist for educating these INTERNET politicians and dooms days preachers whose only wish, pride and pleasure is to see Zambia failure miserably so they can climb on their soap box and scream “We told you!!!”
Honestly, if you measure all the economic indicators. They are all in the positive since RB took over. The numbers don’t like. Zambia’s economy is powering forward. Zambia’s economy did not even enter into a Technical recession( two consecutive quarters of negative growth). RB doing well and is there room for improvement? Absolutely. All the key numbers show he has successfully built on what Levy left.
Perhaps it’s time to sell the fancy Mercedes Mr Kunda
We cant be perpertual beggers, for goodness sake! Where is our pride as a nation? For how long are we going to look to the west, and using the same old ‘colonisation and looted natural resources’ story? In any case, hasnt the West given us aid over the years? How has it been utilised? Chaps have been buying suits and designer high heeled horse shoes! Look around you now. Chaps are in sagging suits! Nga niba Ronnie, even dressing like Akon!! Western aid will never (and i mean just that), never solve Zambias problems. We need to put our act together first. Am so disgusted with this perpetual begging.
#31 Ba Moze you are right. We can do it. its just a matter of putting things right if other small countries have done it why cant we? Things are just not right somewhere somehow thats the only problem we have. CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP THATS ALL. WE NEED GOOD LEADERSHIP.
Is this the same chap who had predicted that the Pact would win Chitambo hands down…..
Mr.Capitalist, good point but I think that you have strayed from the point. Do you honestly think that the Veep was making a request for some poverty stricken country other than Zambia? Zambia is ferrying well economically with all this projected growth, yes, but have you also noticed how much our country has plunged into poverty? The lack of investment by the government in spite of talking about development everyday -poor infrastructure that seems to get worse? Corruption and mismanagement of public resources? What about preventive measures to stop information dissemination?
Unless we can confront the issue of good governance, our people will always be subjected to adverse poverty and despair. Politicians are holding our country to ransom by keeping our people poor so they can beg…
The Llondon Court has ruled that Mr. Frred Chiluba should pay back $50million to Zambia.N Therefore I see no reason why we should look for money beyod Sabel Road Kabulonga Lusaka Zambia. There we can find our sitimulus unless they are looking fo Viagra.
I am wondering what type of government we have in Zambia, and after LPM died i knew this would happen. When LPM was alive he always did his best to make Zambia self reliant. Immediately he died things turned the other way round. When he was in power he reduced dependency from the west by putting in good stretegy. E.G the budget of Zambia reduced aid for the Bddget to 16% when he died and we have a new man at plot 1 the aid from donors was increased to abouve 65%. When LPM was alive there was abundant of food in the reserve, after his dismis the government was claiming shortage of food. And now even begging the west.There is something wrong with our leadership in the Zambian government. This is really embarassing.
Africa, and Zambia, are not poor. But only poorly managed.
It’s all about management. Unless we address this, it doesnt matter how much or how many resources are put in our hands. the rot is in the head.
A good starting point should be Becoming ashamed of begging.
A person who is not ashamed of begging will always be poor.
How can you develop with such kind of Shallow heads in the VP positions.. Kunda is proving to have lost it in many ways… I hope he slips on his ARV and slumber into Comma like Teta
I totally agree with number 37 Zambia must not look for funding from some where; because Zambia if not poor but the managers of our economy themselves are poor managers; infact there is more money in zambia than in some so called rich nations. how ever their managers are more acountable than the ones in Zambia
#37 You must listen to a lot of BBC radio 4 , I hear that quote all the time
I say no need. If we have to suffer then so be it, but we definately need to free ourselves from this system. We need to stand on our own. This is the only way we will learn to appreciate what we have and hopeful account for our hard earned monies. This giving and receieving system only makes greedy individuals rich and in turn does nothing for the ordinary Zambian but makes us more and more lazy….I strongly say NO!
#42 iyi yakosako – we still need help from the west without aid in Zambia the situation could have really been worst than it is now. But anyway this money still ends up in other people’s pocket e.g KAPOKO issue.
we serously need change and I mean serous change.(serous insecticide to disinfect our cockroach infested government) Totaly disgusting!
#44 coming to think of it somebody in this MMD GRZ looks like the big cockroach in “Men in Black” movie…..Yes now I know where I say him. Guys we got alliens in GRZ
George Kunda is like a Ghost,he doesnt know what he is saying.Ghost Kunda.
# 27 I agree with you, the Red Lipped Snack must join Teta and so should Mulongoti and then they will learn not to mismanage our Country. Red Lipped Snack has done us a lot of harm by misleading his boss and claiming that it was the legal.
Chinsali mlnc, I will be very, very surprised if you will come up with anything which Kyambalesa has written has been plagiarized. I have always held him in high esteem; he was my lecturer at CBU and, as far as I can remember, any idea that wasn’t his, he would cite the source. And I believe he is still the Interim President of Agenda for Change party — a small, “briefcase” political party in Zambia … Recently, I googled his name and found that he has written numerous books since he left CBU in the late 1980s which are in libraries across the globe. If you find anything he has plagiarized, I guess it will give readers across the world who read his books a golden opportunity to start searching for plagiarized material in his books. Meanwhile, good luck with your search.
11, am with you. Africans we fail to see the bigger picture.
# 48. Check the link on #8’s posting. It may answer your query as you challenge Chinsala minc
wot!? … anyway, if you want to understand mr. kunda’s motivation, check out our very esteemed dambisa moyo’s website, or her presentation at the cato institute (y’all know how to use google, right?). better yet, buy her book titled “dead aid” and get clued in.
Upfront Fugu, if you click on the link provided by #8, you will get to the LT home page. There is nothing there about Kyambagod. Get us something that will prove Chinsali mlnc allegation of plagiarism.
At the core of all of this, is the government’s unwillingness to tax the mines. Every year, the now foreign owned mines export $2400 million in profits to their home countries. If we taxed half of that, we would be getting twice as much as all donor aid. That is the problem.
Obviously, the west very much prefers of to get a little donor aid, than a lot of taxes, which they keep for themselves.
Now for the *****s who state that ‘we should be recolonized’, perhaps you would like to move back to the tribal areas you were once consigned to. And get rid of UNZA and CBU. Do not disgrace those who fought for independence by such thoughtless or syccophantic statements.
The key is a government that is not there to large part to reward the political loyalties of the party in government.
This is what George Kunda as a political operative rather than a statesman will not address – that as professor Kyambalesa stated, there are a lot of superfluous positions and even ministries in government, that should be abolished. And this time of economic crisis is the perfect time to do it.
Instead, we see even more government waste by the extension of the NCC, which is a perfect example of the MMD’s attitude to government and public money. Or the NCC request to increase the number of parliamentary seats.
What is needed is a reduction of ministries from 29 to 10-12, an abolition of party positions in government and duplication of government functions. That would save hundreds of millions of dollars.
Then, there is the Ministry of Works and Supply, and corruption in procurement. This will save another few hundred million dollars.
The problem, and the reason why it is much easier for VP Kunda to go to the West and ask for more donor funds, is because all this wasted money goes into the pockets of the MMD officials who are in power.
This is why there is a need for a change in guard, come 2011. Old patronage networks and ‘friendships’ need to be disrupted, even if the new bunch is not completely uncorrupt. If they don’t change, throw them out in 2016 and bring back the MMD. And throw them out in 2021 if they don’t perform. This is the power of Democracy.
This is also what they say with ‘don’t experiment with government’ or ‘we represent continuity’. Throw them out.
i just hope that the economy would recover very soon because of the Stimulus Package given by our government
i hope that those Stimulus Package coming from the government would really kick start the Economy. the economic recession has been very bad on my business. 2.