A Lundazi resident has observed that political independence should be accompanied by economic independence for it to be meaningful to an ordinary Zambian.
Dawood Mbeba said without economic freedom, the purpose of political independence is defeated.
Speaking to the Zambia News and Information Services Mr Mbeba noted that as much as political independence was appreciated, most Zambians had been struggling to free themselves from economic shackles.
Mr Mbeba said the president was alive to the fact that subsidising means of production was the only way to grow the economy as it encouraged many people to go into production.
He said this translates to reduced exchange rate and reduced cost of goods and services, thereby reducing the cost of living and improving the quality of life for all Zambians.
Mr Mbeba has appealed to Zambians to give President Hichilema a chance to execute his economic reforms, further appealing to all to contribute to the economic growth of the country as opposed to being on the receiving end.
Meanwhile President Hakainde Hichilema announced that Zambia is set to hand over the Chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to the Republic of Burundi. This transition will take place at the upcoming COMESA Conference, scheduled to be held in Bujumbura.
The announcement followed a courtesy visit to State House by Her Excellency Ms. Evelyne Butoyi, the Ambassador of Burundi to Zambia. Discussions between President Hichilema and Ambassador Butoyi focused on preparations for the conference and the continued strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.
During the meeting, President Hichilema confirmed that Zambia is in the process of officially recognizing Burundi as its ninth neighbor, given their shared maritime border on Lake Tanganyika. This move is expected to unlock new trade and investment opportunities between the two countries, enhancing regional cooperation through COMESA initiatives.
The President highlighted the importance of fostering regional unity and economic collaboration to boost prosperity for both nations.
“Together, we aim to explore the vast potential in trade and investment opportunities between Zambia and Burundi, driven by our shared regional goals within COMESA,” President Hichilema stated.
The COMESA Conference marks a significant step in regional cooperation, with the handover signaling continued commitment to economic integration and partnership among member states.
Energy shortages are a limiting factor to our development and regional competitiveness. We should, therefore, be laser focused on that development rate determining step.
Happy Born Day Zambia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Selfish leadership cannot deliver economic independence. All they spend time on is finding and scheming how they can stay in power forever. One African president even asked his aides to find away how the motor cycles can accompany him while he’s flying.
Born to a life of heartache and struggles
Economic independence is not easy to achieve
Zambians are ready to work but government
Is not giving them incentive.what can a country
Achieve with two hours of power?
Ask yourself what hold top zesco management has over HH that they still there
Our colonizers used to stop public gatherings, they used to break into homes of perceived opponents of the government to search for seditious material. They introduced the public order act. Many leaders were arrested and detained on trumped up charges. All these things are still happening except it’s our own doing it on their opponents. It’s only the perpetrators that have changed. The POA is still in place. So what’s there to celebrate? What’s independence?
Just like Pharaoh came after the Israelite after they left Egypt, the West recolonized Zambia after the UNIP era, they installed puppet govts that they could control. In particular Chiluba’s govt and the current one have given foreigners more control of Zambia’s resources. So forget about economic independence if your budget is funded by foreign money instead of using our vast resources. Gadafi built Libya using the oil. Why cant wee do the same with the gold, copper, cobalt, water resources, educated population. peaceful environment, etc?
Yayi! The similitude with Pharaoh doesnt work. Pharaoh never re-enslaved the Israelis. Zambia has been re-colonised in what is called Neo-Colonialism
Great observation by Mr. Mbeba.Indeed there is a close correlation between political and economic Independence.The two exist side by side.It is not possible to have happiness without economic and/or financial Independence (freedom) and a meaningful or fulfilling life is a function of both political and economic Independence.
When a Mbeba is addicted to cheese, he will always be caught in the Mouse trap. Zambians are addicted to Colonial slavery so they will be forever attracted to Colonial manipulation
Zambians fought for political independence without thinking of the economy so that they can use those positions which they took over from colonialist to steal and enrich themselves. There is nothing to celebrate here. In fact we should invite the British back to govern us again.
I couldn’t agree more. Just look at South Africa where whites were not kicked out.
Political Independence Should Be Accompanied By mental Independence.
“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds”- Marcus Garvey
Was that Marcus Garvey or Bob Marley or the latter just put it into song?
@Mukuka yeah my Bru it was Marcus Garvey but Marley quoted it in “Redemption Song”
Irie!
“Small minds discuss people,average minds discuss events ,but great minds discuss ideas” Be honest with ourselves Zambians what has been our focus since 1964?
Economic independence only comes to those with the right focus. Ask Singapore ,China and lately Vietnam and therein lies our self deception since 64.