By Daimone Siulapwa
31st May, 2010.
NOTHING personal here, but it is about time we faced facts as they are.
During the United States 2008 Presidential elections which saw a new era heralded with the election of Barack Obama, one student asked John McCain this question: “If elected, you’d be older than Ronald Reagan, making you the oldest president,” another student observed. “Do you ever worry you might die in office or get Alzheimer’s or some other disease that might affect your judgment?"
Forget the answer that was given by John McCain, undeniably a remarkable United States statesman.
During the United States 2008 Presidential elections which saw a new era heralded with the election of Barack Obama, one student asked John McCain this question: “If elected, you’d be older than Ronald Reagan, making you the oldest president,” another student observed. “Do you ever worry you might die in office or get Alzheimer’s or some other disease that might affect your judgment?"
Forget the answer that was given by John McCain, undeniably a remarkable United States statesman.
But, this is one issue we should, as Zambians, face square-on.
We have far too many old and recycled politicians in the country thereby making it difficult for people with new ideas and indeed, those with new energies to play a meaningful way in public affairs.
Some of these politicians have been in government or in politics since the pre-independence era. What is it that is new that they want to bring to the dining table that they have not done in the past four decades? Are they the only ones ordained by the Almighty God to lead this country? Should death be the only way out of politics for them? When will their children ever have an opportunity to lead this country? Just when do they expect to rest their bodies from public service? Do they want us to introduce mandatory retirement for politicians?
We have far too many old and recycled politicians in the country thereby making it difficult for people with new ideas and indeed, those with new energies to play a meaningful way in public affairs.
Some of these politicians have been in government or in politics since the pre-independence era. What is it that is new that they want to bring to the dining table that they have not done in the past four decades? Are they the only ones ordained by the Almighty God to lead this country? Should death be the only way out of politics for them? When will their children ever have an opportunity to lead this country? Just when do they expect to rest their bodies from public service? Do they want us to introduce mandatory retirement for politicians?
Why should we have 70 and 80 year-olds setting policy that will affect their great-grandchildren? Is it not about time such people made room for younger, more progressive officials? How rational is it to keep having dinosaurs from the past setting precedent and laws for future generations?
Most companies and indeed the civil service have mandatory retirement ages although some continue to work even after that, but in the case of our politicians, especially those that have served as Ministers and Members of Parliament, and got gratuity, have they not got good money in their lifetimes to enable them retire and perhaps go and play golf, go fishing, or just spend time with their families?
Some talk of the need for experience, but how will the young ever gain experience if we keep on recycling these spent forces? And in any case, how are we benefiting from their experience? Seeing the way things are, whether in government or opposition, it is safe to say, very little actually. Some, when asked about their profession, they even say politician. Is politics surely a profession? According to my dictionaries definition, a professional is a vocation founded upon specialized educational training, the purpose of which is to supply disinterested counsel and service to others, for a direct and definite compensation, wholly apart from expectation of other business gain. Anyhow, that aside, it is time we turned the leaf and asked some of our senior citizens to step aside.
With the election next year, it’s a bit too late to ask for their immediate retirement. I think what we need to do is campaign for the retirement of all elders in politics within 5 years after the 2011 elections. They have a last chance or opportunity if you may call it to make their mark and MOST importantly to transfer the much required experience they have gained to the people who will take over from them.
With the election next year, it’s a bit too late to ask for their immediate retirement. I think what we need to do is campaign for the retirement of all elders in politics within 5 years after the 2011 elections. They have a last chance or opportunity if you may call it to make their mark and MOST importantly to transfer the much required experience they have gained to the people who will take over from them.
With the election next year, it’s a bit too late to ask for their immediate retirement. I think what we need to do is campaign for the retirement of all elders in politics within 5 years after the 2011 elections. They have a last chance or opportunity if you may call it to make their mark and MOST importantly to transfer the much required experience they have gained to the people who will take over from them
We will ask them to retire respectively because they have served their country with dignity. We will not evaluate their performance, for the sake of making it easy for them; we will retire them all on GOOD performance.
Those that will not retire within 5 years will deserve no mercy, respect or a last chance.
We will expose them for what they are. We will campaign to expose ALL the WRONG things they have done while in office, we will not leave a leaf unturned, if that’s what it will take to retire our Elders, so be it.
We will TARGET one Elder at a time, we will tell it as it is, how they started out in politics, how they have late down our people and how greedy and selfish they have been on the expense of our poor people.
We will TARGET one Elder at a time, we will tell it as it is, how they started out in politics, how they have late down our people and how greedy and selfish they have been on the expense of our poor people.
CHECK POINTS….. How many times have you been a minister? For how long have you been a member of parliament? How many political parties have you been a member of? How many government positions have you held in your political career? What is your current net worth? What is your current health status, are you will to undergo a public health test? Who have you groomed to take over from you, just mention one name?
We now demand that all political parties should formulate structures that will encourage new people with new ideas to be allowed to play a role, we demand that structures be put in place for grooming new leaders. We will not all form political parties.. NO..
Without fear or favor, the list below is of Elders I think should retire from active politics within 5 years after the 2011 elections to leave room and space fro new minds and new ideas. if you have additional names, please add on..
1. Rupiah Banda
2. Michael Sata
3. Malimba Masheke
4. Amuusa Mwanamwambwa
5. Vernon Mwaanga
6. Daniel Munkombwe
7. Mulondwe Muzungu
8. Peter Machungwa
9. Guy Scott
8. Siteke Mwale
9. Inonge Wina
10. Joseph Kasongo
11. Crispin Sibetta
12. Major Celestino Chibamba
14. Ben Mwila
15. Edith Nawakwi
16. Joseph Kasongo
17. George Mpombo
18. Sikota Wina
19. Nakatindi Wina
20. Dr Ludwig Sondashi
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