TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP VS NEW DAWN GOVERNMENT
By Martin Mushumba
Traditional Leaders are Key in National Unity
It is not in denial that the country is driving towards national unity under the New Dawn Government. President Hakainde Hichilema has this far demonstrated his commitment to unifying the country through among other things, his inspiring appointments. His well-balanced Cabinet reflects this journey. His bid to unity the nation extends to the defense and security wings where he has again walked the talk. For a first time in the history of this country, the Director General of Office of the President is from Western Province. This had never been imagined considering the unfounded fears that some regimes had about the ‘Barotseland Agreement of 1964’.
Given this national unity momentum being ably driven by President Hichilema, we the people are calling for a fresh beginning where no Zambian citizen because of their tribe or political affiliation shall be restricted from visiting any chiefdom within our country. This is because we only have one Zambia that we must all proudly belong to.
Disgusting as it may be, some of our well known traditional leaders imposed visitation bans on some political leaders in order to appease their masters. This action did not only polarize our already fragile political system but also entrenched tribalism. This was shameful and a clear demonstration of a traditional leadership that has lost a sense of humanity! No one has ever chosen to be born from a certain tribe or race. It’s a rich diversity that God Himself treasures and gave upon us.
To sync the country in a rhythm of unity and correct these abominable acts from some of our traditional leaders who effected these nauseating bans on certain leaders, we must embrace them and show them forgiveness. This shall work towards national unity and reconciliation.
Nonetheless, these traditional leaders must openly lift these dreadful bans to create an environment that supports co-existence, peace and development for the greater good of our society. If they find it hard to swallow their pride by openly lifting such bans, it will surely be unfair, mischievous, malicious, or rather naughty for them to complain of being ignored when political leaders opt to give them their desired space.