Follow Woodpecker’s Digest if you share our conviction that true journalism must champion responsible governance by uncovering the truth behind false promises, holding leaders accountable, and prioritizing the nation’s needs over blind political loyalty.
By Mpandashalo Mwewa.
Lusaka, Nov. 24 – As Editor-in-Chief of The Digest, I’ve often pondered the iron grip truth has on justice. It is no malleable force, no ephemeral whim. Truth, dear reader, is the lighthouse guiding us through murky waters churned by deceit and political opportunism. Yet, in today’s Zambia, this lighthouse seems obscured by a fog of misinformation – a fog expertly engineered by none other than President Hakainde Hichilema himself.
Also Read: Democracy Redefined: Building Lasting Institutions That Serve Beyond Elections. “Democracy extends beyond preparing voters for elections; it’s about building accountable institutions that serve the people consistently, regardless of election outcomes or leadership! ” – Amb. Gonzales.
The case of Mopani Copper Mines illustrates this perfectly. Picture this: university graduates – supposed paragons of critical thought – squabbling over ownership details that should have been straightforward. Why? Because their president handed Mopani Copper Mines to Delta Mining, bypassing parliamentary oversight as explicitly required by our Republican Constitution.
Let’s set the record straight. Before Hichilema’s cozy business deal, Mopani was owned outright by ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH), a company proudly anchored in the Zambian government’s interests. Here’s the breakdown for those who love facts over fiction:
▪️ 60.28% of ZCCM-IH is owned by the government through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
▪️ 17.25% is owned directly by the Ministry of Finance.
▪️ 15.00% is held by the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), another government entity.
▪️ 7.47% belongs to minority shareholders.
This, dear citizens, was the structure before Hichilema decided the Constitution was an inconvenient suggestion rather than the supreme law of the land. Now, he urges Zambians to look away, to ignore the transparency safeguards Parliament was meant to uphold. It’s not just a breach of trust; it’s a breach of law – a move that reeks of impunity and cries for impeachment.
Also Read: Minister of Mines Ordered to Address Parliament on Mopani Mine Sale Corruption Scandal. The Minister is obligated to clarify why the government’s 51% stake in Mopani, held through ZCCM-IH, was transferred to Delta Mining without seeking parliamentary approval. Such a constitutional breach by the President constitutes grounds for impeachment.
◾Journalism: Lighting the Shadows of Deception
In this era of moral bankruptcy, journalism remains the bastion of accountability. Ours is not a trade of flattery or complicity. No, journalism exists to confront the powerful, especially when they fancy themselves above reproach, as the case is with Hakainde Hichilema.
Hichilema, the self-proclaimed champion of anti-corruption, now flinches at the mere mention of asset declarations. Transparency, it seems, is a virtue best preached and not practiced. And yet, we journalists persist, shining light where darkness is meticulously crafted. Consider his pre-election promises:
▪️ A K50 bag of mealie meal. Today, it’s selling at triple the price Hichilema despised – K350.
▪️ Strengthening the Kwacha by K5 within hours. Instead, we’ve seen the Kwacha flutter like a kite in a gale, speeding towards K30 from the K17 that the K5 would take to K12.
These weren’t pledges. They were fantasies – slick marketing for a desperate electorate. Now exposed, they reveal a leader who prefers the gloss of rhetoric over the grit of governance. Doesn’t this fit the description of a conman?
Also Read: Scapegoating Sishuwa: While the Real Tribal Architects Run Amok! Attempts to scapegoat Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa as a tribal instigator are a red herring. The real question is why this government is sowing seeds of discord by targeting Bemba speakers and Easterners, setting the cat among the pigeons.
◾True Patriotism: A Call to Action
Patriotism, contrary to the gospel of party loyalists, isn’t blind allegiance. It’s a fierce love for country that demands we hold our leaders accountable. Supporting President Hichilema – or any leader, for that matter – should hinge on one principle: Do their actions serve our beloved country, Zambia?
When Hichilema strays from this path, it is not betrayal to oppose him; it’s a sacred duty. Loyalty to the nation must always trump loyalty to an individual. This is the essence of true patriotism – a love rooted in principle, not personality.
Also Read: Patriotism can transform Zambia into a prosperous nation! Patriotism can transform Zambia because it has the potential to push people to use elections to create a better Zambia for our future generations!
◾The Road Ahead
As Zambians, we must demand more than hollow promises. We need leaders whose words are tethered to reality, whose ambitions are anchored in service, and whose governance is transparent. Journalism, for its part, must remain unyielding – a sentinel against corruption, a challenger of half-truths, and a defender of democracy.
In the end, our loyalty lies not with Hakainde Hichilema or any political figure but with Zambia itself. Let us champion this truth: a nation’s greatness is measured not by the grandeur of its leaders’ promises but by their steadfast commitment to the people’s welfare. If Hichilema falters, so must our support. Anything less would be a betrayal – not of him, but of the Zambia we hold dear.
About The Author: Mpandashalo Mwewa, currently the Chief Editor at Woodpecker’s Digest, formerly held the same role at Zambia Reports. Known for championing Pan-African education reforms with a focus on critical thinking, he employs journalism to instigate social transformation.
About Our Advocacy: Woodpecker’s Digest provides in-depth analyses and commentary on issues of national importance, alongside articles on personal development and health. We believe journalism can be a force for socio-economic change.
©2024 Woodpecker’s Digest.
Journalism for social change
