MUSICIANS SHOULD NOT BE COMPARED TO LONG-SUFFERING UPND LOYALISTS
By: Mulabasa Staff Reporter
UPND staunch supporter Barbra Musamba has sparked debate after saying musicians and other entertainers who supported the party during its campaigns should not be compared to loyal party members who remained committed to the United Party for National Development (UPND) through difficult times.
Ms Musamba argues that musicians were paid for the services they rendered to the party and should therefore not be placed in the same category as ordinary members who remained loyal to the UPND for years without expecting financial rewards.
She further argues that the UPND is a big political party and that many members did not benefit when the party formed government, adding that it is now time for those long-standing members to have an opportunity to benefit.
According to Ms Musamba, even those who have previously been appointed to government positions should, where appropriate, make way for other party members to take up opportunities—except in cases where their performance, experience and contribution justify continuity.
Her sentiments have resonated with some grassroots members who feel that long-serving party cadres deserve greater recognition and opportunities.
“Listen bane. Comparing long-suffering loyal UPND members to chancers and opportunists is an insult,” she said.
She questioned why entertainers, influencers and comedians who publicly endorsed the UPND during the campaign should receive greater recognition than members who supported the party when it was in opposition and when there was little or no material benefit attached to their loyalty.
She specifically cited musicians, influencers and comedians such as Ken Dumbo, arguing that their involvement in the party’s campaigns was part of paid services rather than purely voluntary political loyalty.
“Some of these influencers, musicians and comedians were handsomely paid for endorsing and campaigning for the UPND.
They did not support the party from the same personal conviction and sacrifice expected of ordinary loyal members,” she argued.
Ms Musamba further questioned whether individuals who were already financially compensated for their campaign services should be prioritized for government appointments or receive greater praise than grassroots members who have remained loyal to the party for years.
The debate touches on a longstanding issue within political parties: whether government opportunities should primarily reward political loyalty, professional competence, electoral contribution, or a combination of all three.
While campaign entertainers can play an important role in mobilizing voters and communicating political messages, loyal party members argue that their years of organisational work and sacrifice should also be recognized.
The challenge for the UPND, therefore, is to strike a balance between rewarding loyalty and ensuring that appointments are ultimately based on competence, integrity, experience and the ability to deliver for the Zambian people.
For grassroots members, however, the message is clear: after years of standing with the party through thick and thin, they believe their time has come