Sensio Banda
OUR STRENGTH LIES IN OUR ETHNIC AND TRIBAL DIVERSITY
In my prologue allow me to emphasis that, the architects (freedom fighters) of the independency of Zambia understood the game they were in. They conceived that, to actualise the independency of Zambia, management of the melting pot of ethnic and tribal diversity was an imperative. They understood that the foresaid was a key success factor for the undertaking. In effect, they appreciated that diversity of ethnic and tribal groupings was both an important asset and a source of strength.
Suffice to say that UNIP an offshoot of ZANC was established as a mass movement and functioned more like a coalition of the major tribal groupings of Zambia; with the late KK in charge, holding it together and injected cohesion. Our founding President, H.E The Later Dr KK and his colleagues knew that he had to do with everything and everybody in the country when he coined the national motto: “ One Zambia, One Nation.
Indeed UNIP had four major factions within, each with very strong leadership: Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Justin Chimba, Robert Makasa, Leo Changufu, Clement Mwananshiku and Alex Shapi were leading the northern block (Luapula, Muchinga, Northern and Copperbelt); Reuben Kamanga, Grey Zulu, Dingiswayo Banda and Wesley Nyirenda from the eastern block; Arthur and Sikota Wina, Nalumino Mundia and Munu Sipalo from the western block; Mainza Chona and Elijah Mudenda were more like stand-ins for the southern block, which was overwhelmingly loyal to Harry Nkumbula, the veteran freedom fighter and was the leader of the African National Congress(ANC). Peter Matoka, Samuel Mbilishi and Humphrey Mulemba from the northwestern block and Solomon Kalulu from central block.
I have belaboured to highlight the above said firebrand freedom fighters for the national struggle so that we appreciate the ethnic and tribal diversity which were prevalent during independency struggle. They had their own differences and deep-rooted issues, but they had a shared bond; the independency of our motherland. They managed ethnic and tribal diversity; diminished the active role of ethnic and tribal political lens during the struggle for independency. And it did not come as a surprise that Britain had to let go; simply because, in ethnic and tribal diversity, therein was a solution to the attainment of independency. Indeed the ethnic and tribal diversity we have in Zambia accorded us many perspectives and solutions for the independency.
However, a million dollar question is; what has changed in comparison to our forefathers who fought for independency and the current generation. A generation were politicians advance political hegemony over opponents through ethnic or tribal ploys. It is a known fact that in the current Zambia’s geopolitics, ethnic and tribal diversity has been used as a ploy to seek or retain power. This has been seen in the manner of campaigns and regional block voting trends. We are all guilty of this phenomenon with no exception. Our country has reached a tipping point as regards this scourge. Together as a people, from all walks of life, ruling and opposition parties we ought to cure this phenomenon; without which adverse repercussions will be far reaching as regards managing public affairs; the economical and developmental prospects of country.
In fact from economic or business perspective, it has been proved that fostering diversity creates teams that stimulate new ideas and drive efficiency. A 2015 McKinsey diversity report shares that: Those in the top quartile for ethnic and racial diversity in management were 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry mean. Therefore, inclusive skilled-based ethnic or tribal diversity both in the public and private sector is one of the key success factors for national development. Thus, commitment to ethnic or tribal diversity and inclusion is key to our national development. Research has shown that any country which upholds democratic tenets; ruling parties held to power long enough through effective management of country’s ethnic and tribal diversity. Hence, as regards the subject matter; every Zambian, starting with political leaders, both in the ruling and opposition parties, captains of the industries both in the public and private sectors should labour to ensure that attitudes meet actions.
In our diversity and our spirituality, our tolerance and our commitment to our shared community, mother Zambia, lies our strength and our hope for a better future. Indeed, as we celebrate independence on the 24th of October, let us remember that, “our strength lies in our ethnic and tribal diversity”.
Aluta Continua
Sensio Banda
Former Member of Parliament
Kasenengwa Constituency
Kasenengwa District
Eastern Province