IN his address to the 76th Session of the United
Nations General Assembly in New York in September last year, President Hakainde
Hichilema spoke so highly of founding Republican President Kenneth Kaunda.
At the time, it was about three months after Dr
Kaunda, who was revered among many for his role and contribution in the
liberation struggle of many African countries, especially those from within
Southern Africa, had died.
Perhaps, it was just right that in his maiden
address to the UN, President Hichilema dedicated part of his speech to the man
that delivered Zambia from the grip of its British colonial masters.
He said: “...I therefore wish to take this
opportunity, on behalf of the Zambian people, to pay tribute to this iconic
leader who was fondly known as KK. It is without doubt that the last remaining
steward of liberation struggles has left an indelible mark on humanity. Dr
Kaunda’s principles, values and contributions towards the ideals of
emancipation and independence did not only spread across the African continent,
but across the entire globe.
“His untold devotion to peace and unity laid the
very foundation for Zambia's stature as a beacon of peace, not only in Southern
Africa, but the African continent as a whole. The Zambian Government will
therefore, build upon KK’s profound legacy to live in peace and harmony with
one another. As we work towards this year’s theme, let us remember the
important lessons that Dr Kaunda taught us, especially as we work towards
revitalising the UN system.”
But maybe
unknown to Mr Hichilema, his own ascendency to power brought its own
kind of political freedom to Zambia as it instilled a sense of hope in many
people who were unhappy with the political repression under the previous regime.
At his inauguration ceremony, at the National Heroes
Stadium that was attended by a multitude of people, President Hichilema
declared: “Fellow citizens, it is a new dawn! The fourth estate, the media will
be freed. Time has come for all Zambians to be truly free.”
President Hichilema reiterated that gone are the
days when political cadres would take over the functions of public service
workers in markets, bus stations, government offices, and other places.
He promised that his administration, which is fondly
called ‘new dawn’, will not allow any such disorder, and that sanity will
return to all places.
“We will restore the rule of law, general order in
our public places and communities, and return our country back to normalcy.
Read my lips, no more cadreism!” he said.
Just like Dr Kaunda, Mr Hichilema brought with him
political liberation - mostly to those people who felt their mouths had been
gagged and couldn’t voice out for fear of victimisation.
He assured: “The days of government workers being
retired in national interest for political or unfair grounds, are over. The
days of political interference in public institutions and parastatals are over.
We must respect, promote and protect the rights of one other.”
Anderson Kambela Mazoka, together with his
colleagues founded the United Party for National Development (UPND) 23 years
ago on the promise of a better Zambia - a Zambia which is united and
prosperous.
“...a Zambia that guarantees basic needs for all its
citizens. In which the fundamental human rights and property of its citizens
are protected. Today [August 24, 2021], we begin our journey towards realising
this dream. I stand before you today, humbled and filled with gratitude, for
your trust in a simple village boy who you have made the seventh President of
the Republic of Zambia,” he said.
President Hichilema who has, on many occasions spoke
about how the controversial Public Order Act has been stifling democracy
dedicated his ascendancy to Presidency to all the citizens, especially the
youths who turned out to vote in great numbers.
Mr Hichilema himself, is no stranger to political
brutality under the Public Order Act. He, and a number of other political
players, past and present, had their own share of the ugly side of this piece
of legislation, which many Zambians want repealed.
His election, coupled with the smooth transition of
power that followed [from Mr Edgar Lungu to Mr Hichilema], showed the world the
resilience of Zambia’s democracy. However, he reaffirmed that power belongs to
the people.
“The people decided it was time for change and
today, we can boldly say, change is here! …to you we pledge a better democracy
where your voices and rights will freely be exercised,” he said.
President Hichilema’s ascendance to power comes with
a promise to promote national unity, rule of law and good governance.
The new dawn promises to focus on social inclusion
and not exclusion as provided for in the republican constitution. It says it
will endeavour to promote the principle of separation of powers among the three
arms of government in order to enhance good governance.
This means that the executive shall not, in any way,
interfere in the work of parliament or the courts of law.
Political scientist and University of Zambia
lecturer Evans Daka has described the election of President Hichilema as a
‘second liberation’ for Zambians because people’s liberties and human rights
have been restored.
Mr Daka says in the past, a number of human rights
were infringed upon by not only Government officials, but by party cadres too.
“Considering that we are in the African Freedom Week
and coming from an election that may as well be as good as a second liberation,
it is important to reflect on the struggles that our forefathers made,” he
said.
He adds: “Previously, things were not okay in terms
of governance because people were not free to move and say certain things. But
we are seeing some improvements now and we are just hoping that we can continue
on this path.”
Another political scientist, Joe Ndambwa urges that
as President Hichilema continues on his liberation path, it is important for
Zambians to remember what the forefathers fought for and not deviate from them.
“We have seen the commitment from the President
[Hichilema]. Even the way he has been making his appointments, you can tell
that he is sticking to the core values of those that fought for our freedom.
“The political atmosphere has improved from the
previous 10-year rule of the Patriotic Front. But also, as we reflect on this
important day (Africa Freedom Day) and week, our forefathers also wanted
economic liberation and the new dawn has promised to give it to us. We hope
this will be actualised,” he said.
Musyani Sichone, also a political scientist, says
the election of President Hichilema was important for Zambia as the country
needed a new start and return to normalcy.
This article was also published in the Zambia Daily Mail newspaper of May 24, 2022.
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