The truth is tribalism exists in our nation, says Nevers
By Kombe Chimpinde Mataka
WE’RE beginning to see different individuals who want to poke their fingers in the peace that we have been enjoying ever since Dr Kenneth Kaunda established this custom and tradition, says MMD leader Nevers Mumba.
In a Facebook broadcast on Thursday, Mumba said the issue of tribalism may seem romantic but could be catastrophic.
“There are comments that have been made by certain individuals calling themselves political leaders that have gone on this path of tribalism.
I don’t mention names when I am dealing with a huge national issue but
it is true that one of our colleagues Mr Tayali went on Facebook and started to call out bembas who are in one way or the other supporting the overall movement of governance in one way or another in this
country especially that there is a President who is not from Northern Province or is from Southern Province. Therefore any Bemba
that seems to be supporting that government that is led by a non-Bemba is called a useful idiot,” Mumba noted. “I am not putting Mr Tayali in the centre”
He said unity could not happen by chance but that Zambians must work towards it.
“I want to start by the truth. The truth is tribalism exists in our nation, on the continent of Africa just like racism exists. This is
why Dr Kenneth Kaunda had to address himself to this issue by bringing the slogan that we use of One Zambia One Nation,” Mumba said. “Unity means every aspect of the society is included in the governance
our nation. Both women and men must feel they are equitably represented in government. Persons with disabilities, they must feel
also that they are represented in government. And we can go as far as tribe, race. People who are Zambians must never feel left out in the process of governance. That is what brings unity. But for that to happen, it is not by chance. We have to work at that. Dr Kenneth
Kaunda said we needed to be united to develop this country.”
Mumba said Dr Kaunda spent many years
investing in the peace and unity of the country.
“Now that he is not here we are beginning to see different individuals who want to poke their fingers in the peace that we have been enjoying ever since Dr Kenneth Kaunda established this custom and tradition. And
I think that we need to be aware that the peace we have enjoyed, the unity that we have enjoyed, in this country did not drop from the skies. It was worked on. It was brought about by a conscious mind
or minds of people led by the first president Dr Kenneth Kaunda. He is not here with us but there are many elders that can carry on this history. And that is why we are saying let us be careful with how we deal with matters of tribalism because it has capacity to divide us as a nation.
It sounds romantic now but once this thing begins to break apart, we will not have an opportunity to develop this country. And therefore when we come in urgently as I am coming in today, I thought
it was important that we discuss matter,” he said. “It is true that I could be the most senior political leader from the Northern Province exercising politics at this particular moment. When I say politically, I am talking about the absence of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, in the absence of the late (Simon Mwansa) Kapwepwe, the late [Kapasa] Makasa, in the
absence of the late Michael Sata, Lupando Mwape. In the absence of many of these leaders including FTJ (Frederick Titus Jacob Chiluba) although he comes from Luapula
Province.”
Mumba said he had authority to speak on the matter having served the church for 44 years and himself being Bemba.
“Some people think this is a political matter. This is a security issue. The whole of my life I have dedicated it for Zambia and Zambia shall be served. Therefore, when some people start to act like they can deal with any subject flippantly, I think it is important that those
elders of the nation can come in and provide guidance,” he said. “Over the past few weeks, there has been a debate in the country
and this debate has been a tribal one. It is a debate that has been on almost every medium to discuss the matter of tribalism. Obviously,
the truth of matter is that every single event that is happening in our country is being sensitised by this thought of tribalism and
therefore I want to deal with it.”
Mumba said he was prompted to speak because some people were seemingly flirting with the subject ignorantly.
“What has made me to speak to you tonight is because there are certain elements in our country for whatever reason, whether political or just the inability to understand the dangers of flirting with the subject
of tribalism, who have gone there to identify my tribe which is Bemba as being a tribe that is being placed at the centre of this debate,” said Mumba.
“First of all it is true that I am Bemba from Chinsali and those who know our history in the country, Chinsali is what we call Icinga, a place where Chitimukulus are laid to rest. That is the heart of the Bemba people. So I do qualify to talk about this subject. I grew up there, interacted with my people for many years.”