Zambian independence is a lesson for Africa

Fidelis Mwape writes: It is with great joy that Zambia celebrated 50 years of independence on Friday. Zambia, just as many countries in Africa and the world, was colonised by a superpower, in this case the British Empire. Zambia and Zimbabwe were Northern and Southern Rhodesia under the same rule. Zambia got independence on October 24, 1964, with Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s United National Independence Party (UNIP) winning the election. There are many reasons why people celebrate independence; some celebrate independence because we are capable of ruling ourselves, some celebrate independence because we have our own person/ indigenous person ruling the country. Some celebrate independence because freedom of mobility and freedom of expression have been granted to them; some celebrate independence because multiparty democracy has come to the people. Some celebrate independence because we are no longer treated like slaves; some celebrate independence because everyone is considered as a person not an animal. Independence means totality of human freedom. Independence does not mean only changing complexion or race and continue suffering with your own ethnic or indigenous person, no. Independence means changing the systems that are static. For example Africans should learn to change political parties so that they can have room for investigations and also have new policies that can drive the development of the country. Zambia has changed political parties from UNIP to MMD and now PF. The fact remains that soon or later another party will be elected in power. No political party is for life. That is independence - the right and freedom to change all that is not right. Zambia did not achieve independence on her own but with the help of other countries. Today 50 years of celebration means more than the country alone, it is joy for the neighbouring countries, it is joy for Africa and to the whole world. Fifty years is not a joke, 50 year does not mean it has been all joy. Zambia’s economy at some stage was poor, the currency was not good, but learning from all those experiences the country today is celebrating and giving thanks to God for such experiences. Government must aim at creating more employment for the people. The option for the poor and marginalised should be prioritised, of course there is no government that can feed everyone; all are encouraged to do something for their living. But government has a duty to see that the resources are shared and create a balance between the poor and the rich. Fifty years of independence is a wake-up call to declare zero tolerance to corruption and concretise the constitution that protects the people, both rich and poor. It is unfortunate that handicapped and rich have a kind of judgment, easy judgment and then the poor have tough judgment, and yet the law should be one. The livelihood of the people must improve. Fifty years of Independence means the period of hard work and period of doing things in the way we feel pleases us. It means Zambia has used its own constitution to protect and punish its own people with sentences equal to what individual deserves. The constitution before was based on racial discrimination, the punishment for blacks was more severe than for whites, some people were above the law and constitution. Independence means no one is above the law and that anyone can face judgement except the president who has immunity from prosecution while in office. Zambia should continue to be an example to other countries. Zambia has played a major role in helping its neighbours to gain their independence. Zambia was a home for signing the documents and hiding place for most of the African countries. Zambia was a place for peace talk among the nations in cases when election disputes arose. Zambia should be an example for SADC and other communities. What are the expectations after 50 years? The country is expected to live in harmony with others; political differences should be put aside to grow the economy and develop. Independence means putting aside difference and putting the life of the people first. For example the view of opposition leader Mr Hakainde inspired me, that with independence we are all one, one Zambia and one nation. Here are a few names of people Zambia will always remember for their sacrifice and for risking their lives for Zambia: Godwin Mbikusita Lewanika, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Kapasa Makasa, Nalumino Mundia, Lawrence Katilungu, Humphrey Mulemba, Mainza Chona, Mama Julia Chikamoneka, Munukayumbwa Sipalo, Dr. Peter Matoka, Solomon Kalulu, Mungoni Liso, Grey Zulu, Samuel Mbilishi and Dr Kenneth Kaunda. It is through their efforts that Zambia today celebrates 50 years and we are all challenged to selflessly give ourselves for others. We are expected to share resources and make life easier for others.