“Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth”, is a law of propaganda. Among psychologists, this is known as the “illusion of truth” effect.
Lusaka – How many people were made to believe through the illusion of truth that the Patriotic Front is more corrupt than the UPND during the pre-election campaigns for the 2021 general elections?
Fast forward:
▪️ The Inspector General of Police has lost his job for exposing corruption at State House.
▪️ Sylvia Masebo has kept public health institutions without essential drugs while she looks for a supplier who can give her a cut.
▪️ The country has no mealie meal because Cabinet decided to sell FRA maize stocks from 2019, 2020 and 2021.
▪️ Fertilizer procurement was single sourced at a much higher price than the prevailing market prices.
The most important lesson the UPND has taught Zambians is that, the desire to form government must never overshadow the purpose of politics, which is to find practical solutions to our various social economic development challenges.
If politics is to serve humanity, it should promote democracy and in my view, democracy is under threat under the Western plural politics model because in Africa, it tends to prioritize the political ambitions of a few puppets over the voices of the majority ordinary citizens.
What we need is a new home bred governance system that must prioritize development over politics of patronage. Let’s seriously reflect on President Chishala Kateka’s recent Press Statement.
Also Read: Zambia is in a crisis – Chishala Kateka.
It is, indeed, imperative that we implement a national program of action along the three main thematic areas she has highlighted:
▪️ Creation of a locus of national unity that is not superficial. Dr. Kenneth Kaunda’s Choma Declaration created a united Zambia we were once proud of.
▪️ Restoration – we need to restore the ‘Soul’ of the nation. Let’s preach and live patriotism. Zambia can only be developed by Zambians.
▪️ Setting the Development Agenda. Politics should not be a self preservation tool but a vehicle for development.
Equally, Zambia is underdeveloped because we think every politician is a leader. But what is leadership in the context of a Head of State?
It’s the ability to identify and put those with the necessary technical know-how and ability in key positions needing such expertise, not political cadres or tribesmen and women.
What leadership has President Hichilema provided in the health and agriculture sectors, two key life saving sectors?
There’s an urgent need to turn our focus to identifying individuals with strong leadership qualities in their fields and put them in appropriate political positions to support a clearly defined national development agenda!
The truth in our analyses and commentaries may hurt, but it will make you think and reflect. Noone can mislead you when you know the truth.
©2022 Woodpecker’s Digest Inc.
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