Saturday, November 30, 2024

RB cautions Ministers against tribalism

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President Rupiah Banda
President Rupiah Banda

President Rupiah Banda has warned his ministers of severe consequences if they engage themselves in vices likely to cause anarchy in the country through tribalism.

President Banda said that tribal remarks are the worst thing ministers can engage themselves in. He urged ministers who are also politicians to exhibit good conduct  when in public domain.

“Ministers who as also politicians should look after themselves and desist from engaging themselves in multi–racial, multi-lingo, multi-religious because these vices are the worst thing politicians can do or else they will face the consequences,” President Banda said.

The President Banda said this on his arrival at City Airport from Kalabo District in Western province where he had gone on a 3-day working visit.

The ZAF plane MA-60 carrying the President touched down at the Lusaka City Airport at 16-30 hours Zambian time.

But Science, Technology and Vocational Training Minister Gabriel Namulambe has warned that he will not be intimidated by anyone because he is neither a coward nor a lightweight in politics.

Mr. Namulambe, who is also Mpongwe Member of Parliament, is quoted in the media as having said the Lamba people in Lufwanyama district in Central province feel that the late president Levy Mwanawasa’s legacy was allegedly not keenly followed by government.

President Banda was accompanied to Kalabo by Finance and national Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, Tourism, Environment and natural Resources Minister Catherine Namugala, Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti, State House Chief of Protocol Bob Samakayi and other senior government officials.

Defense Minister and Acting Vice President Dr. Kalombo Mwansa, cabinet ministers and their deputies, former Zambian Ambassador to Mozambique George Chulumanda, former Home Affairs Deputy Minister Grace Njapawu, Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja, Defense chiefs, senior government officials, newly appointed MMD Lusaka Province Chairman William Banda, senior MMD NEC party officials and patriotic Zambians were on hand to receive the Head of State.

ZANIS

51 COMMENTS

  1. OK ZANIS. Is it implied that those Zambian who did not show up at City Airport are unpatriotic? Just use the word ‘cadres’.

  2. I remember Namulambe very well when he was Copperbelt P/S.His conduct as a PermSec was very political and it did not surprise me that he became an MP cos he was using the position of civil service to compaign and Mwanawasa never warned him but others were being cautioned.Chiluba started tribalism,all strategic and parastal postions wre held by bembas: Mwansa(Zesco),Musonda(Zanaco),Chungu(ZSIS) name them.LPM came in and did the same.Moses Kaunda cried foul saying Bembas are being sidelined.This time its Namulambe in Moses kaundas’s shoes and sooner or later it will be Dickson Jere crying foul that RB’s legacy is not being respecte and easterners are being demonised.Drama continues.

  3. Welcome back Mr president. We plead with you politicians to abash these politics based on tribal lines. So many great countries have fallen prey to the derogatory politics. As at now the whole world is patiently waiting for civil war in Zambia, becoz of these recent rumblings based on tribe. No single tribe can ever lead Zambia, not even if you partnered with another would you still manage to achieve that go, lets continue with the slogan, ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION. ABASH tribal parties, ABASH tribal politics.

  4. Issue driven winning opposition politics in our country went to the Grave with late Mwanamuboto Anderson Mazoka and Dean Namulya Mung’omba. It will take years for credible opposition to emerge again if the current opponents to MMD don’t graduate from a culture of insults.

  5. Opposition strategy need changed with articulation of what they would do better than the incumbent and how such will be done. Insults have kept failing Zambian opposition politics. This is evident by an exponential disengagement of Zambian legible voters other than the flattery they are getting from eligible voters in blogs. Voter apathy is historically higher than never before. And there is no sign that that a shift is coming up.

  6. Many voters believe insults are no option and the devil they have is better than the vicious insulting machine merely panting for power and opportunity to pick up from where they left their years of plunder and corruption. Historic trend reflects that the 2011 election will record even lesser voter turn up like never before. This is again evident by the growing disengagement in the ongoing Mobile NRC replacement and issuance drive. Sensationalism is no voter converter in Zambia.

  7. #4 Mwata…I agree with you what a great president Mazoka would have been, Zambia missed a great opportunity there. We really need an opposition leader with a unifying factor, for now they are all covered in this tribal stench, be it Sata or HH. What a pity for mother Zambia.

  8. The opposition should ask themselves how late Mazoka managed to become a national leader without insults but issues yet their insulting and pro tribalism strategies are backfiring and falling face down.

    Change your strategy now or posterity will judge you harshly. We implore you to watch many of RB’s political acrobatics with real voters.

  9. It is sad that this has now become an issue after we have been independent for nearly 50 years. It is more disheartening when one considers that Zambian ethnic groups actually share more similarities than differences. Most of our forefathers are immigrants from the Lunda or Luba empires in the DRC. All our languages are bantu and you dont have the differences in culture and religion that you have in other countries such as Nigeria and Kenya. Many Zambians belong to families that are multi-ethnic and so it is very sad that we are wasting time discussing what should be a non-issue instead of sharing ideas as to how to move the country forward. The president is also guilty of playing the ethnic card when he appealed to voters in E province to vote for their own.

  10. Is it dementia or simply playing politics. Just over year ago he was urging his tribesmen to chase non eastern presidential candidates from Eastern province. So the question is what has changed or whats the difference between his tribalism and Nalubambe’s? resounding answer is NO DIFFERENCE. Am hoping his leaches MR CAPITALIST & VETERAN would clarify on this one. THANK YOU (please keep old newspapers & keep your finger on what says)

  11. Just fire the guy, what are you waiting for RB? I am still weighing my options for 2011, waiting to see if some credible opposition will come up, maybe a Mazoka reincarnation. But on this Nyamulambe you have my 100% support.

  12. Goodevening

    I have observed that the president likes working with threats – plus his words are not credible because he does not lead by example. Nelson Mandela once said: “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”

  13. HH’s lie falls flat in a national wide self embarrassment in conspiracy with Fred Mmembe as evidence proves him dead wrong.

  14. Presidential limouisine was bought by Mwanawasa’

    The Mercedes Benz armoured state limousine which president Rupiah Banda is using was ordered and paid for by his predecessor Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, it has been revealed.

    The Post newspaper is running a story saying ‘UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has described the purchase of a new presidential Mercedes Benz armoured state limousine as a sign that President Rupiah Banda wants to live a flamboyant life.

  15. But “Commenting on the revelation that President Banda purchased a new presidential vehicle less than a year in office and in the midst of a persistent fuel crisis, Hichilema said the president had misplaced priorities.”

  16. But sources at the ministry of works and supply have revealed that the limousine was ordered and paid for by Mwanawasa but only delivered after his death.

  17. Sources said that customer-made vehicles like the one in question take upto a year or longer to be delivered from day of making the order.Sources said the order was made more than two years ago and the maker had to start building the vehicle after the order was made.

    Sources also explained that president Banda first used the vehicle in September this year when he officially opened Parliament.“That car belongs to the legacy”, said one source.

  18. 13 That’s exactly RB’s style of leadership. When there is trouble for his ministers he comes out in front. Fuel Konga, allegations about the Litunga etc etc. By the way, if you meet this president face to face you will be amazed at how humble is, he makes you feel important. He is just a darling, that’s a very important mark of a great leader. Certainly the Satas of this world are no match in that area. And the arrogant baby HH Sata, just watch his mouth and mannerisms when he is speaking, he makes you feel like a moron like all brains reside in his head.

  19. sichi powerz,

    In the absence of the President who was in Kalabo and the Vice President in Trinidad at the Commonwealth summit, President Banda appointed Dr.Mwansa to act as head of state.You don’t leave the capital city without someone standing in for the head of state.

  20. fibre ,

    I concur with you. You trully know RB. Ihave known RB for many years during and out of Government. His humility and natural smile beats down any person that he meets.You will never catch bitterness, hot headed face on RB but a smile and respect for you. This what led Mmembe to mislead himself that insulting RB would curve him for abuse and self economic exploitation they way they did on Mwanawasa that led to being given ZA and illegal LASF, NAPSA and Development Bank of Zambia loans.They though he is docile and manipulatable. Watch the BBC crip.Now they have resigned too insults in anger and frustration that he cannot be manipulated.

  21. When my Mazoka was living, many people used to call him a damn good tribalist now what has changed in his grave. Away with your false sympathy. How is HH tribal? I guess people will sing praises for him in the grave also. Currently, the tribalism being condemned was started somewhere beyond the luangwa river, now it has crossed kafulafuta soon it will fill the country! Lets stop it through appointments, newspaper, conversation, and dreams.

  22. It is credible to make a postulation that at least some of the above comments are in one way or another motivated by tribe, even easier to guess which ones or how! … lol!

  23. #27 Yes the topic is tribalism, even you is talking the same. Should we talk about football when the theme is different?

  24. Mwata and Jooste, let me clarify something for you, Mazoka was a freemason opportunistic individual. This I have as knowledge from very credible sources; the only man that is democratic and morally wise to have or to lead Zambia is Miyanda, but as I have said once before he needs more vocal and younger surbodinates. As for tribalism yes Mazoka was one of the best at this as Chicago rightly remembers; our memories as loyal Zambians now retain information unlike before. So prayers for my country and a leader we trully deserve.

  25. Just be honest, all politicians practice some tribalism in one way or another. This norm is more pronounced when the nation is experiencing the kind of poverty that is taking place in our country. The head of state need to be above all these, and should be seen in the way he distributes his attention to all parts of the nation.

  26. If you notice the post have switched from Namulambe to Presidential limosine. They can’t handle the pressure being exerted on their boy – Namulambe. The behaviour of Namulambe is a warning to Sata who seems to embrace hyenas of all sorts. He will be disappointed the same way like Chiluba. When did Sejani,Magande ever love or respect Sata? The opposition today are failing to discuss issues instead they are more interested in things like size of someone’s nose or their age. Rupiah should learn and respond to the tactics of 1991 election. He has a private newspaper that practices politics of confederation. They literally gang on one individual or institution to weigh them down. One has to respond accordingly in a coordinated fashion.

  27. Ministers who are also politicians should look after themselves and desist from engaging themselves in multi–racial, multi-lingo, multi-religious because these vices are the worst thing politicians can do or else they will face the consequences,” President Banda said.

    “do not vote for anyone who does not hail from the east”–TRIBALISM,,,, Vi Oneni IVO vimasilu,,,,Ubufi ubwakunya—Multi lingo vices, Roman Catholics priests behaving and fanning regional confilicts like the rwanda genocide-Shikapwasha—Multi religious. Case of KETTLE meeting POT. Can someone wise out there please explain

  28. Politicians can make you feel important when in reality they don’t mean it. Kafupi used the same tactic with party cadres and even called them ‘nimwebo muletuteka’ meaning it is you who are leading us. Total crap but beggars can believe anything. I would like a person to discuss issues with authority and respect and not with a trick smile. Be real, he is head of state and you are not. Would you ever feel you are more important than a head of state? Come on stop being childish and look at reality and work with reality!!!

  29. The problem with Banda is that whenever the tough gets going, he passes the blame on others, including the dead in case of these cars. Even if these cars were ordered by Levy, when Banda came to power or when they were delivereed and Banda thought wise that we as a poor nation cannot afford these expensive cars because of the high opportunity cost such as medicine in hospitals or a school system falling apart, he could have auctioned them to raise money for other needy areas such as the Kalabo road. To claim he isnot the one who ordered them is pathetic and very childish for a president. Reminds me of KK in London when after a hot speech drafted by Sikota claimed: ‘It was not me, it was Wina”. Kupusa kumawa.

  30. I have never been, not MMD and will never be MMD because its a party of recycled poilticians from UNIP, UPND, Heritage and other parties – the party is a hub for malcontents not principled politicians, but Nalubambe should not speak openly against his govt or leader while serving as minister. He can air his views directly to the President, NEC or Cabinet. If he felt they didn’t address his concerns or was still unsatisfied he should then resign honourably just like Mwanawasa did, he can openly talk in parliament against the govt as a backbencher then. You can’t have it both ways Gabriel and no administration worldwide can condone his outburst, Mwanawasa is dead so get over it! RB should fire the guy!

  31. #34 Before you talk about auctioning the car, talk about the “legacy” ordering that expensive car after parading a luxury coach as a means of transport he was going to be using. The more some misguided elements talk about the “legacy” the more embarrassing it will become to everybody.

  32. I dont know how it feels to embarass your self in public because of having a short memory. RB is forgetting that he is the worst tribalist of our time…his election rallies stinked tribalism, his political appointments stink tribalism…wat is he telling us? Better keep quiet and use a bootlicker mouth piece some where, you have alot of them sorrounding you. HYPOCRITE!!

  33. #6 Mwata how can you talk about this when the TOPIC is about TRIBAL REMARKS IN YOUR MMD CABINET. Have nt you got anything to say about this thing which can wreck our country. If you are MMD strategist, then no wonder you are losing elections of late. The OPPOSITION have nothing to do wit what your PRESIDENT is talking about here, we NKUSA iwe.

  34. #36 Adviser: I do not want to be dragged into your gutless legacy battle with the Lambas because for all I care, Levy was human and also capable of making mistakes. The one thing he was not though was a spineless jackal floating aimlessly in the air from one destination to another on silly trips including a strip tease in Swaziland while the nation and his own party swirled further down into economic and political doldrums. For whatever the legacy was, Levy had bullocks made od steel and his position on Zimbabwe or Chiluba’s plunder are all their to show. As for Kansundila, it’s masalamusi eka eka everyday. Imagine the opportunity cost of taking two helicopters, a jet and convoy of cars and silly party cadres to Barotseland, it’s of a degree that elicits awe and taxes belief.

  35. Just fire the boy.you are 100% CORRECT this time.Thats blackmail president.Zambia is bigger that the LAMBAS.ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION!

  36. As a country, we have been tribalised to very dangerous levels. Chiluba engineered this vice, it festered and with the gas Bwezani is fueling it with, its now reached dangerous levels where it has started eating away at the very fabric of this nation; One Zambia One Nation. Banda’s f.o.o.l.i.s.h.n.e.s.s. defies all manner of logic, see, knowing Kalusha Bwalya and Teddy Mulonga do not see eye to eye, why appoint Mulonga as PS for Ministry of Sport for Kalusha to report to? Is this not the same Mulonga Kalusha defeated for FAZ president? I do not like Kalusha, well, sometimes, but I do not think he deserves to be embarrassed in this manner after what he has done for this country.

  37. Please forget about tribalism because there so many people who married different tribes and I’m one OF those Tongas who have married a Bemba and I cannot complain or regreat .Whether people like it or NOT tribalism will die the NEXT 50 years to come.ALSO NOTE THAT THE MMD CANNNOT AFFORD TO FIRE NAMULAMBE because MMD have no capacity to win election in Zambia except a very few places in Eastern Province and places like KWAMUGUBUSI

  38. Welcome back RB from tour of duty. You have shown us your good governance and we are encouraged at your calmness. We shall always rally behind you!

  39. #34,40&42 From your language you seem to fall into the category of a section of the bloggers here, and so I will not put my points of view across to you. However, when you start using terms like “Kupusa kumawa” – you are going too far. RB is an Easterner but he is not the Eastern Province. There is no province in Zambia that will accept to be called “kupusa” on the basis of the mistakes or your dislike of one man. Let’s get real. Also, when you have time, re-assess the complaints against LPM during his days and also it will do you well to analyze the appointment of Teddy Mulonga which you seem not to get – just ask.

  40. I worked with Mulonga at Tender Board and I know him as one of the worst corrupt elements ever. From his meager salary at Tender Board, he built himself a 500 Sq. m mansion in New Kasama. The Anti-Corruption commission was all over his stinking prat but Chiluba ordered them to back off. So awe sure “osapusa” because I know Teddy Mulonga very well! This is like Luapulans pretending the economy was doing well under Chiluba when their nearest comparable to one was Katanga where there was none. For you , ba Kumawa, your nearest example of a democracy is Blantyre, where Kamuzu ravaged them for 30 years and they are now sweating under that former COMESA sakala called Mbingu ya Kutharika. Awe sure, kupusa muleke!

  41. Adviser, by the way, don’t try sharp shooting me, what the hell do you mean by “analyze the appointment of Teddy Mulonga which you seem not to get – just ask”. That man failed miserably at FAZ that is why he was defeated in democratic polls by Great Kalu. Their was even a riot by Chipolopolo boys because money went missing under his chairmanship. Anybody who would appoint such a failure to be the top civil servant in the sports ministry is very sick in the head. This is pretty much like inviting Mobutu Sese Seko Nkuku Ngbendu Wa Za Banga to give a key note speech at a conference on good governance and financial prudence! Only a worst order scam bug can do that.

  42. Look who is talking. Is this not the man who thrives on the “Wako ni wako” slogan? How can a tribalist like him advise others not to practice tribalism? Is it a question of “do as I say not as I do”? The source of this advice is a wrong one, not when the large majority of his appointees are from his home province – Eastern Province. Warning to those who are saying he should fire Namulambe: the day RB does that that will be the day the opposition will receive the whole of the Copperbelt Province on a silver platter.

  43. This man is dangerous. He is now living fake promises he made. Wait the same promises and cursing him. He has no discipline code to adhere to.

  44. Stop talking about these cars! Who bought them and who is using them. Do you want a Zambian president travelling in a toyota corrola?

  45. I am no longer sure the place you’re getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend some time studying much more or figuring out more. Thank you for magnificent information I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.

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