Zambian, more than ever, deserves more than promises, it deserves progress. It is time the President articulates a path forward not just with words, but with deeds that herald real, positive change.
By Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa.
Lusaka, Sept. 3 – As the President of Zambia prepares to address the National Assembly in the coming days, the nation stands on the precipice of agricultural plight, energy woes, and economic uncertainty. The echoes of last year’s long speech, resonant with rhetoric and self-praise, still ring in the ears of citizens waiting for genuine solutions.
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With this upcoming address, the President faces a critical juncture: will he choose humility and transparency, admitting where his administration has stumbled, or will he resort to familiar platitudes that ignore the lived realities of the Zambian people?
In the heart of Lusaka, conversations in marketplaces and town halls reveal a populace hungry for change. Amidst rising inflation and economic fragility, Zambians are not merely asking questions – they are demanding answers that transcend the veneer of political discourse. They draw inspiration from the words of leaders who sparked transformation in their nations:
Franklin D. Roosevelt, during the depth of America’s Great Depression, declared, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” In similar spirit, what courage will our President muster to combat the fear that grips our economy – a fear not of rhetoric, but of real policy failures and misalignments? Can he dispel the terror of spiraling inflation with a robust economic strategy, or will uncertainty continue to shadow our land?
Turning to the energy sector, one recalls President John F. Kennedy’s bold assertion, “We choose to go to the moon…” This wasn’t merely about space exploration; it was a testament to human ingenuity harnessed against adversity. What ambitions will our President set? Will he outline a visionary plan to diversify Zambia’s energy mix beyond the limits of hydropower, setting us on a trajectory toward energy independence and sustainability?
As the specter of corruption looms, reminiscent of Mahatma Gandhi’s assertion that, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” the citizens await a leader who prioritizes public service over personal gain. Will the President pledge a renewed and impartial fight against corruption, one that transcends political factions and entrenched interests?
On the agricultural front, we are reminded of Nelson Mandela’s belief that, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Zambia’s farmers face a crisis not of imagination, but of systemic support and infrastructure. Will the President now articulate specific, implementable strategies to combat the effects of drought and elevate our farmers from their reliance on rain-fed agriculture?
The answers lie not in stirring oratory alone, but in transformative action. As the President steps to the podium, he must recognize that talk is indeed cheap; action, however, is costly and demands leadership of unwavering resolve.
The Zambian people deserve more than promises, they deserve progress. It is time the President articulates a path forward not just with words, but with deeds that herald real, positive change. As Abraham Lincoln once proclaimed, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Let us see if our President is ready to create the future Zambia longs for.
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About The Author: Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa is a respected academician, a former Vice Chancellor, a politician and revolutionary writer.
About Us: Woodpecker’s Digest, an online platform, provides analyses and commentaries on pertinent issues of national interest, complemented by articles focusing on personal development and health. Journalism is a powerful tool for driving positive socio-economic change!
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