Today, September 23, 2011 marks another milestone in the history of Zambia. An incumbent president has been unseated, and 20 years of a ruling party has come to an end. Inarguably, the incoming party, PF, is a semblance of the outgoing party as its founder and members are products of the MMD. But that is not, the subject of this blog.
The blog is about the change, I consistently heard being talked about. The lumpen proletariat, the youth, women and the poor, and indeed elements of the middle and upper class all talked about the need for change. But the question we should be asking amidst the euphoria is, whose change is it.
We must not delude ourselves in believing that the need for change is universal or is irrespective of class. Thus, I hope that the change we are about to witness is one that will result in the interests of the lumpen proletariat, youth, women, and the poor reigning supreme over the private interests that may want to usurp State power for private gain. We have witnessed the desperation of the private interests of the middle and upper class. It is imperative that the lower class maintains its expectations of change by keeping the private interests at bay.
For, I am certain it is not private interests that, lumpen proletariat, the youths, women and the poor voted for. The change they desire is a better life than the one they have had. A dignified life. But they too should exercise caution, as the dream can fade quickly, when the private interest pretends to have the same interest.
The upper class may talk the language of the lumpen proletariat, youth, women, and the poor, but they will never know the footpaths these groups walk, for theirs has always been a world apart. History, has never had individuals that live in walled mansions or drive luxury cars have their agendas commensurate with the poor or oppressed. So I sincerely hope, that as the youth, women and the poor celebrate they realise that those that often pretend to walk with them, do not necessarily do so. It is their change, and their voice should not just end at disturbing my sleep. They should now strive to make democratic governance accountable.
Change is not limbus factuorum.
Laus Deo
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Indeed what we have now is an opportunity to put in place systems and institutions so that going forward it should not be about patronage but about the greater good. It should be about Zambians first in all we do, we have to create wealth for Zambians by Zambians, the assets in Zambia must be owned by Zambians, foreign capital should assist in exploiting the assets but we must be the primary beneficiaries! To achieve this we must create a band of Zambian entrepreneurs with the dream and vision to drive the agenda and Government's duty must be to put in place policies that will facilitate the Zambian interest. Going forward those shot want to do public service must focus on delivering service and must not go into office for their narrow selfish interest. Indeed we have an opportunity to change course now that a new captain is at the helm and we ask Gods guidance to steer this country to greater heights in order to exploit the potential for the Zambians!
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