An Urgent Call for Revolutionary New Blood in Zambian Politics
By Daimone Siulapwa
Zambian politics is now marred by the presence of tired, old, insensitive, and tribalistic leaders who shamelessly believe this country owes them perpetual favours.
These arrogant players, devoid of any genuine concern for the populace, have employed a myriad of tactics to secure and retain power.
From orchestrating family strife to resorting to violence, propaganda, lies, and even delving into the realms of religion, black magic, and witchcraft, they have spared no arsenal in their quest for political relevance.
Over the last three decades, these selfish and heartless politicians have dragged our nation from bad to worse, all under the guise of democracy.
While chanting the mantra of democratic rights, they have shamelessly looted our resources, constructed opulent mansions, and afforded their children the finest education and jobs in our top parastatals—all at the expense of the struggling masses.
The public display of parliamentary bickering among the ruling and the opposition conceals the disturbing reality that, behind closed doors, these politicians engage in backroom deals, dividing the spoils of our collective suffering.
Recently, a blatant double standard has emerged when comparing the fate of a citizen caught stealing a loaf of bread in Mutendere to that of a politician in kabulonga caught with millions of dollars suspected to be proceeds of crime.
While the former faces a five years imprisonment term, the latter negotiate their sentences, evading the consequences of their grand-scale theft. The question that bergs answer is: What kind of a legal system allows such a glaring disparity in justice?
Why should we allow politicians to only forfeit suspected stolen wealth and escape possible jail sentence while we can’t allow a petty thief to return the loaf of bread he stole to escape a jail term? Your guess is as good as mine; these laws are made by the same looting politicians, they protect themselves.
This plain reality highlights the politicians’ blatant disregard for the people they claim to represent. They remain indifferent to the plight of ordinary citizens, content to watch them succumb to hunger and disease.
In all this reality, politicians remain untouched by the harsh consequences of their policies. When they fall ill, taxpayers fund their treatment in the world’s best hospitals; they remain insulated from hunger, indulging in multiple lavish meals daily. Even in death, they are granted a national mourning that surpasses the yearly budget of a secondary school in Lusaka, and also at a high cost of loss to many private businesses.
Amidst these escalating crises—from food scarcity to a weakening currency and soaring prices—members of our parliament are shamelessly considering a hike in their benefits, they now want a personal to holder car, housing allowance and many more picks paid for by us the citizens.
What kind of insensitive leaders do we have? The clear absence of sacrifice and austerity measures underscores their detachment from the struggles of the average Zambian.
It is time for Zambians to cast aside these worn-out politicians and usher in a new era led by the younger generation. The future belongs to the youth, and it is imperative that they seize control of their destiny.
As long as the political landscape is dominated by individuals accustomed to the luxuries of power, our nation will struggle to develop.
The nation desperately requires a new breed of revolutionary young MPs, individuals who intimately understand the struggles of hunger, unemployment, and economic hardship.
The current crop of politicians, spoilt by the luxuries of parliamentary life, has lost touch with the harsh realities faced by the majority.
They have forgotten how it feels to sleep hungry; they have forgotten how it feels as a parent when you can’t feed your children.
They have forgotten how it feels when you can’t pay your own rent the land lord evicts you. They have forgotten how painful it is when a bread winner can’t find employment.
They have forgotten how it feels when your business has to close down because you can’t afford the cost of business.
They have forgotten how it feels when your wife leaves you because you can’t provide for her anymore; these are the daily tragedies of a common man.
Zambians must look towards the horizon of 2026 as an opportunity for a revolutionary change. A new parliament, infused with virgin MPs unburdened by past failures, presents a chance to reshape the nation’s destiny that we need badly.
We must bring aboard those willing to work and even die for the betterment of Zambia, over the experienced politicians who, for over three decades, have failed to deliver tangible improvements to the people they purportedly represent.
At this critical moment, power must return to the people. The call for a political revolution is not just a desire but an imperative for the survival and prosperity of Zambia. It is time to consign the old politicians to the annals of history and usher in an era where the voice and needs of the people are not just heard but respected.
Power to the people—a rallying cry that must reverberate across the nation, heralding a new beginning for Zambia, void of tribalism and social injustice. The time for change is now, and the youth must be at the forefront of this transformative journey.
22/11/23
Daimone Siulapwa is the Editor-in-Chief of The Voice Newspaper. He is also a political analyst, an advocate for tribal unity and Citizen Economic Empowerment. Send your comments to dsiulapwa@gmail.com
Very valid concerns. However, the solution is not replacement of the old guard by youthful politicians. What guarantee is there that the youthful politicians will do better?
In my opinion, the problem is not age but values. Low levels of integrity define the average Zambian family. Lying to get what you want is considered normal.
In the current parliament we do have youthful MPs. What is the performance of Mr. Munir Zulu as MP for Lumezi? What about Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda, the MP for Petauke Central? What are they remembered for?
If we donot address the issue of values, it does not matter how youthful your MPs are. They will equally succumb to the very vices you are acussing the old politicians of.
It is time we, as voters, begun to evaluate our Presidential and MP candidates based on their character. Ultimately, we will vote for the one who reflects our values. But then, like I said, our integrity levels are extremely low, hence the low calibre of MPs. They are a reflection of who we are.
Well said JMC