SUNDAY December 15, 2013 marked the end of South Africa's first black president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela's final journey on earth as he was finally put to rest at his ancestral home in Qunu, Eastern Cape.
Though I never had a chance of meeting Tata Madiba in person, I will forever cherish my "Mandela Moment" when me and a couple of friends drove past his residence in Houghton, Johannesburg on January 1st this year.
Just merely being in the same space as him felt so philosophical. That's how impactiful Madiba's life was.
Before I say anything, I must mention that I was deeply overwhelmed to see our own 89-year-old KK jog on the podium on his way to deliver a tribute to his fallen comrade.
We say siyabonga to the people of South Africa for recognizing the tireless efforts the great KK played during the day of their struggle .
I feel everything that is there to say about this great son of Africa has been said. But, however clichéd this may sound, Mandela was simply an epitome of ubuntu. Mandela personified the saying, "I am because we are."
Mandela was an icon and no doubt a great leader sent from Heaven up above. He fought against racism and domination of one race at the expense others. He lived according to his ideals, forgiving and building a multiracial society. He rose above human propensity of vengeance.
Quoting the words of Comrade KK in his remarkable speech at Mandela's burial, "Madiba showed us that white, black, yellow or brown, we're all God's children, to come together and work together. Love one another, regardless of colour or religion."
My prayer is that our world leaders, especially those from our of continent, will emulate his exemplary life.
To the fallen global icon I say, you came, you saw and you conquered. May your successors honour your memory with the same values and highest standards of governance
Hamba kahle tata Madida. Yours was a life worth emulating and no doubt the sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement .
Good bye for now Tata Madiba. Your deeds and legacy shall always have space in our minds and hearts forever. May your soul rest in everlasting peace! AMEN!
Sunday 15 December 2013
Friday 13 December 2013
Fake Faith Healers Should Be Prosecuted
THOUGH this is rarely reported, some young and old HIV patients are giving up their medicine after being told by some shady Pentecostal Church pastors to rely on faith in God instead. Unfortunately, many have lost their lives by following this misguided path.
I have personally lost a friend who was ill-advised by their pastor to stop taking their ARVs.
I really feel sorry for these victims. And it’s easy to think they should have known better, but religion and religious leaders can have powerful control over people, especially when they’re desperate. It’s clear these churches are taking advantage of that desperation.
If indeed there is a conflict between divine healing and medicine then why is it that some people, despite the apparent exercise of faith, do not get healed?
I know someone will say they didn't truly believe. Well, if that is the case then some of the prophets wouldn't have performed some of the miracles recorded in The Holy Book.
Take for instance the story of Elisha and the Shunammite Woman. In 2 Kings 4: 16-17 The Bible reads, "And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life." (KJV).
My question is, how was this Shunammite woman able to conceive though she did not believe in what Elisha prophesied to her?
I can also cite the story of Jesus' friend, Lazarous. Lazarous' sisters, Mary and Martha, made no secret of the fact that they did not believe their brother who had been dead for four days could be brought to life by Jesus. It is actually their unbelief that made Christ weep as recorded in John 11:35.
Lazarous was dead and since the dead know nothing as Ecclesiastes 9:5 confirms, his faith did not count in this instance, yet our Lord was able to resurrect him.
When Christ met a widow at Nain on her way to bury her only son, He never asked her whether she believed in Him or in resurrection. For all we know, this woman could have been a non-believer yet Christ had compassion on her and brought her son back to life.
The point I'm trying to make here is that, if faith is a prerequisite or rather precondition for one to receive a miracle or get healed, then Christ would not have healed the demoniac of Gadarene who we read in Luke.8:26-39 was healed without asking before he was capable of expressing his faith.
When Peter cut of the ear of Malchus as recorded in Luke 2:50-51 and John 18:10 , Jesus healed him without any faith present.
Of the 35 miracles recorded in the Gospel accounts the faith of the recipient is exercise in only 10 of the accounts.
It's my view that it's very wrong for faith leaders to actively encourage their congregations to stop taking their medication.
Moreover, if medicine was in conflict with divine healing the Apostle Paul’s medical advice to his disciple Timothy, “use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments,” would not have found its way in The Bible.
I strongly feel there should be legal repercussions for people who advise a course of action that leads to harm.
Anyone who recommends and encourages a harmful course of behaviour for a sick person should be held responsible for the outcome of their actions. Particularly if the person making this sort of recommendation wears a mantel of social authority.
I have personally lost a friend who was ill-advised by their pastor to stop taking their ARVs.
I really feel sorry for these victims. And it’s easy to think they should have known better, but religion and religious leaders can have powerful control over people, especially when they’re desperate. It’s clear these churches are taking advantage of that desperation.
If indeed there is a conflict between divine healing and medicine then why is it that some people, despite the apparent exercise of faith, do not get healed?
I know someone will say they didn't truly believe. Well, if that is the case then some of the prophets wouldn't have performed some of the miracles recorded in The Holy Book.
Take for instance the story of Elisha and the Shunammite Woman. In 2 Kings 4: 16-17 The Bible reads, "And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life." (KJV).
My question is, how was this Shunammite woman able to conceive though she did not believe in what Elisha prophesied to her?
I can also cite the story of Jesus' friend, Lazarous. Lazarous' sisters, Mary and Martha, made no secret of the fact that they did not believe their brother who had been dead for four days could be brought to life by Jesus. It is actually their unbelief that made Christ weep as recorded in John 11:35.
Lazarous was dead and since the dead know nothing as Ecclesiastes 9:5 confirms, his faith did not count in this instance, yet our Lord was able to resurrect him.
When Christ met a widow at Nain on her way to bury her only son, He never asked her whether she believed in Him or in resurrection. For all we know, this woman could have been a non-believer yet Christ had compassion on her and brought her son back to life.
The point I'm trying to make here is that, if faith is a prerequisite or rather precondition for one to receive a miracle or get healed, then Christ would not have healed the demoniac of Gadarene who we read in Luke.8:26-39 was healed without asking before he was capable of expressing his faith.
When Peter cut of the ear of Malchus as recorded in Luke 2:50-51 and John 18:10 , Jesus healed him without any faith present.
Of the 35 miracles recorded in the Gospel accounts the faith of the recipient is exercise in only 10 of the accounts.
It's my view that it's very wrong for faith leaders to actively encourage their congregations to stop taking their medication.
Moreover, if medicine was in conflict with divine healing the Apostle Paul’s medical advice to his disciple Timothy, “use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments,” would not have found its way in The Bible.
I strongly feel there should be legal repercussions for people who advise a course of action that leads to harm.
Anyone who recommends and encourages a harmful course of behaviour for a sick person should be held responsible for the outcome of their actions. Particularly if the person making this sort of recommendation wears a mantel of social authority.
Wednesday 11 December 2013
Nelson Mandela: The Great Unifier
I SPENT much of Tuesday December 10, 2013 glued to the television screen witnessing history been made as I followed the live coverage of Nelson Mandela's memorial service, at FNB Stadium in South Africa.
Whoever witnessed that funeral in Soweto, attended by world leaders from almost 100 countries, royalty and celebrities, will have to die before they can forget. I doubt our generation
will ever witness another Nelson Mandela let alone a funeral of that magnitude.
Madiba was indeed an epitome of humility and selflessness. He was simply a giant whose values and beliefs surpassed the expectations of the entire human race. His magical and peace power has drawn the human race and global leaders together even in death.
His amazing presence captured everyone who came into contact with him. But perhaps the most amazing thing is that, even in death, this great son of Africa remains a uniting factor.
US President Barack Obama celebrated the life of Nelson Mandela with his own gesture of reconciliation at Tuesday's memorial ceremony in Soweto: a historic handshake with Cuban leader Raul Castro.
It was the first such greeting in public involving a president of the United States since the Cuban revolution, although Bill Clinton shook hands in private with Raul's brother Fidel during a closed-door United Nations lunch in 2000.
We can only hope that the unprecedented gesture between the leaders of two nations which have been at loggerheads for more than half a century is the first step to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries.
If only our leaders-especially those from our continent-will not only acknowledge his legacy but emulate him. Africa need leaders like Mandela who had the courage to stand up for the masses against a more powerful and ruthless regime.
And despite witnessing the slaughter of his people during the apartheid era, Mandela emerged from prison preaching the gospel of love, reconciliation and a united country.
His selflessness fashion of leadership should remain embedded in the hearts of those aspiring to serve their respective nations. Africans should stop apportioning blame on western leaders because each and every individual can still push for a positive change. Mandela proved that.
It has been said that living a life without purpose makes death a tragedy but in this case, the life lived by Mandela is a great blessing to Africa and the world in a whole.
Madiba's cross over to the other side remains a colossal loss to the entire continent of Africa and world over.
Indeed there will never be another Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, but his was a life worth imitating. We can still apply the lessons of his struggle for freedom to our lives and those around us. We can continue in his spirit and legacy.
Rest in peace Tata Madiba and may your spirit continue to live in all of us and those who will come after us.
Whoever witnessed that funeral in Soweto, attended by world leaders from almost 100 countries, royalty and celebrities, will have to die before they can forget. I doubt our generation
will ever witness another Nelson Mandela let alone a funeral of that magnitude.
Madiba was indeed an epitome of humility and selflessness. He was simply a giant whose values and beliefs surpassed the expectations of the entire human race. His magical and peace power has drawn the human race and global leaders together even in death.
His amazing presence captured everyone who came into contact with him. But perhaps the most amazing thing is that, even in death, this great son of Africa remains a uniting factor.
US President Barack Obama celebrated the life of Nelson Mandela with his own gesture of reconciliation at Tuesday's memorial ceremony in Soweto: a historic handshake with Cuban leader Raul Castro.
It was the first such greeting in public involving a president of the United States since the Cuban revolution, although Bill Clinton shook hands in private with Raul's brother Fidel during a closed-door United Nations lunch in 2000.
We can only hope that the unprecedented gesture between the leaders of two nations which have been at loggerheads for more than half a century is the first step to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries.
If only our leaders-especially those from our continent-will not only acknowledge his legacy but emulate him. Africa need leaders like Mandela who had the courage to stand up for the masses against a more powerful and ruthless regime.
And despite witnessing the slaughter of his people during the apartheid era, Mandela emerged from prison preaching the gospel of love, reconciliation and a united country.
His selflessness fashion of leadership should remain embedded in the hearts of those aspiring to serve their respective nations. Africans should stop apportioning blame on western leaders because each and every individual can still push for a positive change. Mandela proved that.
It has been said that living a life without purpose makes death a tragedy but in this case, the life lived by Mandela is a great blessing to Africa and the world in a whole.
Madiba's cross over to the other side remains a colossal loss to the entire continent of Africa and world over.
Indeed there will never be another Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, but his was a life worth imitating. We can still apply the lessons of his struggle for freedom to our lives and those around us. We can continue in his spirit and legacy.
Rest in peace Tata Madiba and may your spirit continue to live in all of us and those who will come after us.
Thursday 5 December 2013
A Nation's Healer Is Dead
AT EXACTLY 10 minutes to midnight on Thursday December 5, 2013, a Zambian friend based in South Africa sent me a text via WhatsApp with the news that Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the former South African president whose stubborn defiance survived 27 years in prison and led to the dismantling of the country's racist and brutal apartheid system had succumbed to death.
Though I was already in bed and about to fall asleep, I quickly got up and began to follow the breaking news both on television and the Internet. And almost every news channel, website and blog had the news of Mandela's death.
Thursday night turned out to be one of those rare moments when, with a dramatic pause, the world mourns the death of a brilliant human being. It was one of those moments you never forget where you were when you first heard the news.
One of the giants of the 20th century, Mandela's career was marked not only by his heroic resistance to racism, but also by his poised and soft-spoken demeanor.
Mandela is no doubt among the greatest people in the 20th century to have fought for justice and peace.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his leadership in ending apartheid without violence, and later became a global statesman who inspired millions of people around the world.
The death of Nelson Mandela may be the most significant one to occur in our lifetime. We know that a world without him can only hope to be as good as a world with Mandela in it.
With the death of Mandela, Africa has lost one of its few decent leaders. With the passing of Mandela, the world has lost a leader who advanced the cause of equality and human rights, who overcame a history of oppression in South Africa to expand the reach of freedom worldwide.
Mandela was many things to different people: a boxer, a student, a leader, a husband, a father, a social icon, a man who helped to heal a nation.
Mandela has inspired all of us with his leadership and his humility. Our lives have been immeasurably enriched by his example. We mourn his passing and pause in gratitude; privileged by the mark he has left on our lives.
He touched the world with his integrity, his resolve and his passion for reconciliation. His passion to do good was infectious.
May we continue to be a teacher for generations to come. His legacy will be unforgettable. The world has lost a great part of its morality and conscious with his passing away.
May the life of Nelson Mandela long stand as the ultimate tribute to the triumph of hope. May his story long remind us to always look forward with optimism to the future. May it be a comfort to his family, to his friends and loved ones, to the people of South Africa that so many mourn the loss of this extraordinary man and incredible leader at this sad time.
May we all mourn this loss, and try to live up to his example, how to fight for our beliefs and lead a life of dignity.
Mandela brought a message for all of us. May we continue to learn from his legacy for all of humanity .
I personally count it a blessing to have lived in the same time with this global icon. A true hero like this doesn't come along quite too often.
Mandela is among the few who can claim to have left the world a better place than he found it.
To the Great Madiba we say, Hamba Kahle Tata! You fought a good fight from the beginning to the end. And if ever there was a human that deserved to rest in Heavenly peace, it is you Tata Madiba.
Thank you, Tata Mandela. May your spirit live on in the hope and actions of many who have learned from you. May your servitude, dedication, integrity live forever. May your dreams for a better and all-inclusive South Africa come true for all its people whether black, white, brown or yellow.
Yes, Nelson Madiba Mandela is no longer walking among us, but the Long Walk To Freedom will and must continue.
“Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.” ~ Nelson Mandela 1996
Though I was already in bed and about to fall asleep, I quickly got up and began to follow the breaking news both on television and the Internet. And almost every news channel, website and blog had the news of Mandela's death.
Thursday night turned out to be one of those rare moments when, with a dramatic pause, the world mourns the death of a brilliant human being. It was one of those moments you never forget where you were when you first heard the news.
One of the giants of the 20th century, Mandela's career was marked not only by his heroic resistance to racism, but also by his poised and soft-spoken demeanor.
Mandela is no doubt among the greatest people in the 20th century to have fought for justice and peace.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his leadership in ending apartheid without violence, and later became a global statesman who inspired millions of people around the world.
The death of Nelson Mandela may be the most significant one to occur in our lifetime. We know that a world without him can only hope to be as good as a world with Mandela in it.
With the death of Mandela, Africa has lost one of its few decent leaders. With the passing of Mandela, the world has lost a leader who advanced the cause of equality and human rights, who overcame a history of oppression in South Africa to expand the reach of freedom worldwide.
Mandela was many things to different people: a boxer, a student, a leader, a husband, a father, a social icon, a man who helped to heal a nation.
Mandela has inspired all of us with his leadership and his humility. Our lives have been immeasurably enriched by his example. We mourn his passing and pause in gratitude; privileged by the mark he has left on our lives.
He touched the world with his integrity, his resolve and his passion for reconciliation. His passion to do good was infectious.
May we continue to be a teacher for generations to come. His legacy will be unforgettable. The world has lost a great part of its morality and conscious with his passing away.
May the life of Nelson Mandela long stand as the ultimate tribute to the triumph of hope. May his story long remind us to always look forward with optimism to the future. May it be a comfort to his family, to his friends and loved ones, to the people of South Africa that so many mourn the loss of this extraordinary man and incredible leader at this sad time.
May we all mourn this loss, and try to live up to his example, how to fight for our beliefs and lead a life of dignity.
Mandela brought a message for all of us. May we continue to learn from his legacy for all of humanity .
I personally count it a blessing to have lived in the same time with this global icon. A true hero like this doesn't come along quite too often.
Mandela is among the few who can claim to have left the world a better place than he found it.
To the Great Madiba we say, Hamba Kahle Tata! You fought a good fight from the beginning to the end. And if ever there was a human that deserved to rest in Heavenly peace, it is you Tata Madiba.
Thank you, Tata Mandela. May your spirit live on in the hope and actions of many who have learned from you. May your servitude, dedication, integrity live forever. May your dreams for a better and all-inclusive South Africa come true for all its people whether black, white, brown or yellow.
Yes, Nelson Madiba Mandela is no longer walking among us, but the Long Walk To Freedom will and must continue.
“Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.” ~ Nelson Mandela 1996
Tuesday 12 November 2013
DISTRACTED DRIVING
AS technology advances and people have all these fancy gadgets that are convenient and make multitasking supposedly easier, this has in turn increased cases of distracted driving on our roads.
Over the years I've witnessed distracted driving to scare the daylights out of me.
In this so called information age, it's not unusual to see folks busy chatting on the phone, texting, watching tv, looking at their iPads or laptops, taking notes, eating, breast feeding, reading a newspaper or paperback book while driving.
I once saw a lady with her knee against the steering, smoking a cigarette while applying mascara, using her rearview mirror as her make-up mirror. Worst still, I've even witnessed a woman giving head to a driver on a highway.
People need to learn that some things are meant to be done in private!
A few years back, we were on the Great East Road one morning and there was a car swerving all over the road. I told my uncle to get around it as soon as he could because the driver was going to kill someone. We got beside him and I looked over: it was a doctor in his white coat, looking at a medical record! I guess even the intelligent are stupid sometimes.
And just this past week my neighbor gave me a ride into town. He had all his family with him and not a single one of them were paying attention to the surroundings.
He was texting, the wife was on facebook, kids were either playing video games or with their phones. I had that "Final Destination" feeling creep all over me.
It is said that the most important part of a car is the nut behind the wheel because half the time, it's not the nut in wheel but the nut behind the wheel that cause accidents.
Distracted driving is a rising demon in our society that need to be uprooted. The act of driving while engaged in other activities is unsafe, irresponsible and in a split second, its consequences can be devastating.
Over the years I've witnessed distracted driving to scare the daylights out of me.
In this so called information age, it's not unusual to see folks busy chatting on the phone, texting, watching tv, looking at their iPads or laptops, taking notes, eating, breast feeding, reading a newspaper or paperback book while driving.
I once saw a lady with her knee against the steering, smoking a cigarette while applying mascara, using her rearview mirror as her make-up mirror. Worst still, I've even witnessed a woman giving head to a driver on a highway.
People need to learn that some things are meant to be done in private!
A few years back, we were on the Great East Road one morning and there was a car swerving all over the road. I told my uncle to get around it as soon as he could because the driver was going to kill someone. We got beside him and I looked over: it was a doctor in his white coat, looking at a medical record! I guess even the intelligent are stupid sometimes.
And just this past week my neighbor gave me a ride into town. He had all his family with him and not a single one of them were paying attention to the surroundings.
He was texting, the wife was on facebook, kids were either playing video games or with their phones. I had that "Final Destination" feeling creep all over me.
It is said that the most important part of a car is the nut behind the wheel because half the time, it's not the nut in wheel but the nut behind the wheel that cause accidents.
Distracted driving is a rising demon in our society that need to be uprooted. The act of driving while engaged in other activities is unsafe, irresponsible and in a split second, its consequences can be devastating.
Thursday 17 October 2013
SLEEPING MPs
THE photos of our lawmakers Garry Nkombo (UPND Mazabuka MP) and
Ronnie Shikapwasha (MMD Keembe MP) published in one of of our daily tabloids were the two were captured sleeping during the 2014 budget
speech delivered by Finance minister Alexander Chikwanda at Parliament
this past Friday, left me wondering whether the speech was that boring.
For parliamentarians, I understand yawning is a privilege that's hard to win and easy to drift into. I mean plush seats, air-condition, cool and droning voices make Parliament a great place for a short snooze, especially after a sumptuous canteen meal.
However, given the number of times we have seen pictures of Shikapwasha sleeping while serious issues of public interest are being discussed, I assume it doesn't bother him or even care because to this day he has never apologized.
But how many of us would still keep our jobs if we were caught sleeping at work in relation to the number of times the Keembe MP has been pictured enjoying his nap while on duty?
I don't think even Nkombo and Shikapwasha can tolerate their workers if those workers were found wanting in such a manner.
I think it is about time the people of Zambia demanded for the establishment of a parliament committee to deal with members of parliament who are sleeping on duty.
I think parliament should put in place a code to provide for forfeiture of sitting allowance to parliamentarians who sleep during deliberations.
We can't afford wasting tax payers' money on people who just go to parliament to sleep while time ticks towards their allowances and gratuity.
If the likes of Nkombo and Shikapwasha are too tired and no longer up to their tasks they are welcome to resign. Let them do the honourable thing and leave room for those who really want to serve the people they represent.
I'm sure there are a lot of young, vibrant and energetic politicians out there who can represent their respective constituencies with honour, enthusiasm and vigilance.
For parliamentarians, I understand yawning is a privilege that's hard to win and easy to drift into. I mean plush seats, air-condition, cool and droning voices make Parliament a great place for a short snooze, especially after a sumptuous canteen meal.
However, given the number of times we have seen pictures of Shikapwasha sleeping while serious issues of public interest are being discussed, I assume it doesn't bother him or even care because to this day he has never apologized.
But how many of us would still keep our jobs if we were caught sleeping at work in relation to the number of times the Keembe MP has been pictured enjoying his nap while on duty?
I don't think even Nkombo and Shikapwasha can tolerate their workers if those workers were found wanting in such a manner.
I think it is about time the people of Zambia demanded for the establishment of a parliament committee to deal with members of parliament who are sleeping on duty.
I think parliament should put in place a code to provide for forfeiture of sitting allowance to parliamentarians who sleep during deliberations.
We can't afford wasting tax payers' money on people who just go to parliament to sleep while time ticks towards their allowances and gratuity.
If the likes of Nkombo and Shikapwasha are too tired and no longer up to their tasks they are welcome to resign. Let them do the honourable thing and leave room for those who really want to serve the people they represent.
I'm sure there are a lot of young, vibrant and energetic politicians out there who can represent their respective constituencies with honour, enthusiasm and vigilance.
Let's Not Idolize Political Leaders
THERE appears to be a "grave misunderstanding" that leaders, once elected, change from human beings into superhumans. I'm reminded of the wise words of John Adams, the second US President, who warned his fellow Americans against treating fallible men as faultless idols.
In his retirement, Adams denounced the tendency to make demigods of men like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and, in true Puritan fashion, called for a second Reformation to wash away such idolatry.
A British Psychological Society once conducted a study which revealed that idolizing rock stars can harm your health.
Now, I don’t know whether idolizing political leaders can be harmful to our health. But I dare say that it can be harmful to the political health of the nation.
This self-acclaimed divinity by certain political leaders does not benefit anyone and only lead to the discrediting and downfall of such leaders.
It is one thing giving deserving praise to leaders who spend their entire lives fighting for a good cause and another to idolize them.
Our society should refrain from the habit of idolizing crooks and thugs in suits. Only a crook would want to be idolized because Jesus taught that true leaders should act like servants.
True leaders are those who do not change their attitudes towards others once elected.
Personally, I not only find the act of singing, dancing or prostrating before leaders, shameful and abhorring, but childish.
Let us grow up and be more mature politically. The onus is for all of us who love this land of ours to help get rid of narcissistic and self-conceited leaders. It does not matter which side of the political fence they are from.
Let me end by stating that ignorance, blind loyalty and divine worship of elected leaders have no place in a democracy and are an abomination in a Christian nation like Zambia.
Let's not idolize political leaders lest we create despots that will in turn haunt us.
In his retirement, Adams denounced the tendency to make demigods of men like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and, in true Puritan fashion, called for a second Reformation to wash away such idolatry.
A British Psychological Society once conducted a study which revealed that idolizing rock stars can harm your health.
Now, I don’t know whether idolizing political leaders can be harmful to our health. But I dare say that it can be harmful to the political health of the nation.
This self-acclaimed divinity by certain political leaders does not benefit anyone and only lead to the discrediting and downfall of such leaders.
It is one thing giving deserving praise to leaders who spend their entire lives fighting for a good cause and another to idolize them.
Our society should refrain from the habit of idolizing crooks and thugs in suits. Only a crook would want to be idolized because Jesus taught that true leaders should act like servants.
True leaders are those who do not change their attitudes towards others once elected.
Personally, I not only find the act of singing, dancing or prostrating before leaders, shameful and abhorring, but childish.
Let us grow up and be more mature politically. The onus is for all of us who love this land of ours to help get rid of narcissistic and self-conceited leaders. It does not matter which side of the political fence they are from.
Let me end by stating that ignorance, blind loyalty and divine worship of elected leaders have no place in a democracy and are an abomination in a Christian nation like Zambia.
Let's not idolize political leaders lest we create despots that will in turn haunt us.
Saturday 12 October 2013
Enough With Gender Stereotyping
IF you are an ardent reader you probably have come across articles with the following headings:
"10 Things Men Wear That Women Hate"
"8 Things Women Want Men To Do In Bed"
"100 Things Men Absolutely NEVER Want to Hear From Their Women"
"50 Things Men Do That Turn Women Off"
"16 Things Women Hate Hearing"
"15 Things Men Find Unattractive About Women"
"30 Things Women Wish Men Knew"
"18 Things Men Wish Women Knew About Sex"
"22 Things Women Are Sick Of Experiencing"
"40 Things Women Want In A Relationship"
"25 Things Men Should Look For In A Woman"
"21 Things Women Wish Men Understood "
"13 Things Men Should Never Say To Women"
I've lately been asking myself whether am the only one who is sick of reading or listening about these petty gender differences in the media. As much as advice columnists need to rely on generalization and stereotypes in order to make their case, I just wish the media could stop spreading all these gender stereotypes and do real journalism
When are we going to accept the fact that men are men and women are women and that it's never changed and it is never going to? Men and women are not some sort of monolithic entity.
Any man or woman who expect to always have their way in a relationship is a dreamer and would do him or herself a great favor by remaining single. Relationships are about tolerance and compromise, period.
"10 Things Men Wear That Women Hate"
"8 Things Women Want Men To Do In Bed"
"100 Things Men Absolutely NEVER Want to Hear From Their Women"
"50 Things Men Do That Turn Women Off"
"16 Things Women Hate Hearing"
"15 Things Men Find Unattractive About Women"
"30 Things Women Wish Men Knew"
"18 Things Men Wish Women Knew About Sex"
"22 Things Women Are Sick Of Experiencing"
"40 Things Women Want In A Relationship"
"25 Things Men Should Look For In A Woman"
"21 Things Women Wish Men Understood "
"13 Things Men Should Never Say To Women"
I've lately been asking myself whether am the only one who is sick of reading or listening about these petty gender differences in the media. As much as advice columnists need to rely on generalization and stereotypes in order to make their case, I just wish the media could stop spreading all these gender stereotypes and do real journalism
When are we going to accept the fact that men are men and women are women and that it's never changed and it is never going to? Men and women are not some sort of monolithic entity.
Any man or woman who expect to always have their way in a relationship is a dreamer and would do him or herself a great favor by remaining single. Relationships are about tolerance and compromise, period.
Wednesday 18 September 2013
School Is The Tool To Brainwash The Youth
ON September 12, 2013, Will Smith’s 15-year-old son, Jaden,
tweeted, ‘’School Is The Tool To Brainwash The Youth.’’
The young actor with a budding music career underway has
caught major hell for his string of anti-school tweets.
I risk sounding ignorant here, but I
totally agree with young Jaden. If you critically think about it, what does
school really teach children?
1.
Truth comes from
authority
2.
Intelligence is
the ability to remember and repeat
3.
Accurate memory
and repetition are rewarded
4.
Non-compliance is
punished
5.
Conform: intellectually
and socially
The aim of public education as one
man once correctly observed is not to spread enlightenment at all, it is simply
to reduce as many individuals as possible to the safe level, to breed and train
a standardized citizenry, to put down dissent and originality.
Paraphrasing the words of Derrick Jensen, I’ve since
come to understand the reason school lasts twelve years. It takes that long to
sufficiently break a child’s will. It is not easy to disconnect children’s
will, to disconnect them from their own experiences of the world in preparation
for the lives of painful employment they will have to endure.
And just for the record. I’m not here
to encourage youths to drop out of school. My point is, we shouldn’t yield with perfect docility to education’s moulding
hands.
Monday 2 September 2013
Anything Can Happen In Football
WHO has never lost at home? Who has never won away? I direct these questions at the nay sayers who think just because Ghana is playing at home and has recalled all its superstars, then we can’t beat them in their own backyard.
Yes, Ghana is one of the best teams in Africa if not the world with good players all over the pitch. However, any soccer pundit worth their salt will tell you that “impossible is nothing” in a game of football. In football and in sport as a whole, anything can happen.
We know it is not going to be an easy match. It is never an easy game when you are playing away and a win is your only option. But Ghana isn’t expecting an easy game either.
Of course Ghana has the luxury of being able to choose between great players. But if our lads can step on to the field and control these players, we can cause a major upset in Kumasi. Did we see Zambia defeat a similar Ghana team at AFCON 2012? Yes, we watched it.
Furthermore, unlike our boys who have been playing together and know each other on the field quite well, most of the big names Ghana has recalled have never played together as a team in a long while. That can play to our advantage. And when it is big names playing, some usually forget team work and concentrate of making a name.
But whilst stressing the importance of Friday’s game, our boys should remember that winning and losing start in the mind. They shouldn’t think of their last match when they step on that pitch in Kumasi.
Our boys should simply be prepared for anything. We don’t know how Ghana will approach the game, whether they will defend or attack. However, if we can score an early goal, that will put them under pressure.
Regardless of our situation, I still believe we can make it.We have to believe in our talents. I know it will be difficult, but I still believe in our boys. In such an important match with so much at stake, anything can happen.
Yes, Ghana is one of the best teams in Africa if not the world with good players all over the pitch. However, any soccer pundit worth their salt will tell you that “impossible is nothing” in a game of football. In football and in sport as a whole, anything can happen.
We know it is not going to be an easy match. It is never an easy game when you are playing away and a win is your only option. But Ghana isn’t expecting an easy game either.
Of course Ghana has the luxury of being able to choose between great players. But if our lads can step on to the field and control these players, we can cause a major upset in Kumasi. Did we see Zambia defeat a similar Ghana team at AFCON 2012? Yes, we watched it.
Furthermore, unlike our boys who have been playing together and know each other on the field quite well, most of the big names Ghana has recalled have never played together as a team in a long while. That can play to our advantage. And when it is big names playing, some usually forget team work and concentrate of making a name.
But whilst stressing the importance of Friday’s game, our boys should remember that winning and losing start in the mind. They shouldn’t think of their last match when they step on that pitch in Kumasi.
Our boys should simply be prepared for anything. We don’t know how Ghana will approach the game, whether they will defend or attack. However, if we can score an early goal, that will put them under pressure.
Regardless of our situation, I still believe we can make it.We have to believe in our talents. I know it will be difficult, but I still believe in our boys. In such an important match with so much at stake, anything can happen.
Saturday 31 August 2013
Princess Diana 16 Years On
I HAVE never been the type that get obsessed with celebrities or public figures. However, certain deaths of international celebrities and public figures have strangely affected me. The death of Princess Diana in a high speed chase on Sunday August 31, 1997 in Paris, France was one of them.
I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news. Though I can't remember where I had gone, I do remember that I had just reached home and I was about to enter the house when my young sister said, ''Have you heard that Princess Diana has died?''
It came as a great shock to me. But what I found even more shocking was the fact that it hit me like the death of a loved one. I couldn't understand how my heart could be in so much pain over the death of a total stranger I would have never met in a million years. Perhaps that what makes me human.
I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news. Though I can't remember where I had gone, I do remember that I had just reached home and I was about to enter the house when my young sister said, ''Have you heard that Princess Diana has died?''
It came as a great shock to me. But what I found even more shocking was the fact that it hit me like the death of a loved one. I couldn't understand how my heart could be in so much pain over the death of a total stranger I would have never met in a million years. Perhaps that what makes me human.
The Conduct Of Some Political Leaders
THE moral weakness of some of the people we have appointed as our political leaders is quite shocking.
Whereas, true political greatness stems from wisdom, maturity, honesty, humility, and respect, qualities that define exceptional leadership, these are the qualities sorely lacking in many of our political leaders be it in government or opposition.
While corruption still of course contributes to many social ills, political arrogance or simply incompetence is a rising demon in our society that is hindering our country's development.
Most of our political leaders seem to be obsessed with personal glory more than anything.
But before we condemn politicians whose seem to be interested only in furthering their political ambitions , perhaps we should first examine the priorities of the voters who put them into office, and those who didn't care to vote.
If ours is a democracy, then our political leadership is to a certain extent a mirror of our people.
From my observation, good leadership qualities are not necessarily considered good electable qualities by most Zambian voters.
Instead, Zambian-style campaigns or rather voting pattern usually favor those candidates who are masters at political rhetoric. It favours those with money.
Honesty and humble candidates often don't have that chutzpah that makes them stand out and grab voters' attention.
Simply put, an average Zambian voter prefers candidates who will make unattainable promises and those that are entertaining.
And while entertainers or rather sweet talkers may not be the type of leaders needed, they are the type the electorate end up voting for.
Perhaps if we elected people who are believed to be smart policy analysts, shrewd negotiators, and hard workers we wouldn't set ourselves up for so much disappointment.
Perhaps if we elected leaders who are not blinded by partisan politics, we wouldn't end up with leaders who are obstacles to progress.
Whereas, true political greatness stems from wisdom, maturity, honesty, humility, and respect, qualities that define exceptional leadership, these are the qualities sorely lacking in many of our political leaders be it in government or opposition.
While corruption still of course contributes to many social ills, political arrogance or simply incompetence is a rising demon in our society that is hindering our country's development.
Most of our political leaders seem to be obsessed with personal glory more than anything.
But before we condemn politicians whose seem to be interested only in furthering their political ambitions , perhaps we should first examine the priorities of the voters who put them into office, and those who didn't care to vote.
If ours is a democracy, then our political leadership is to a certain extent a mirror of our people.
From my observation, good leadership qualities are not necessarily considered good electable qualities by most Zambian voters.
Instead, Zambian-style campaigns or rather voting pattern usually favor those candidates who are masters at political rhetoric. It favours those with money.
Honesty and humble candidates often don't have that chutzpah that makes them stand out and grab voters' attention.
Simply put, an average Zambian voter prefers candidates who will make unattainable promises and those that are entertaining.
And while entertainers or rather sweet talkers may not be the type of leaders needed, they are the type the electorate end up voting for.
Perhaps if we elected people who are believed to be smart policy analysts, shrewd negotiators, and hard workers we wouldn't set ourselves up for so much disappointment.
Perhaps if we elected leaders who are not blinded by partisan politics, we wouldn't end up with leaders who are obstacles to progress.
Opposition Leaders And Demos
IT is a well-known fact that demonstrations are part and parcel of
democracy and are a component of political engagement and therefore a
useful tool in a democratic society.
However, it is sad that we have opposition leaders like UPND president Hakainde Hichilema who seem hell bent on abusing this democratic right.
I remember how back in March, 2012 HH supported youths in Southern Province who intended to protest during that year's national youth day.
It's sad that a leader could encourage youths to demonstrate instead of speaking peace and calling for dialogue.
And just this past May, his party the UPND notified the Police about their planned national wide demonstrations.
However, the UPND leadership has turned around and claim they are under no obligation to inform the police about their intention to hold demonstrations and protests.
Some political leaders are not worth to support. How in the world can HH and his party always resort to illegal demonstrations over issues that can be resolved through dialogue?
HH should understand that it is not everyone who is in line with his way of calling for attention.
No Zambian in their right mind can support such lawlessness. The poor people of Zambia have a lot of issues to deal with and HH should not provoke unnecessary tensions in our peaceful country.
It is unfortunate that a leader can act like an under five child who resorts to throwing tantrums whenever his demands are not met.
It is sad that HH has stuck to the idea of digging his own grave. His daily actions are self-eliminating.
HH should change his strategy if he intends to continue harboring presidential ambitions.
Let HH be useful and speak of development. You do not need to wait until you are president to bring your ideas of development on board.
However, it is sad that we have opposition leaders like UPND president Hakainde Hichilema who seem hell bent on abusing this democratic right.
I remember how back in March, 2012 HH supported youths in Southern Province who intended to protest during that year's national youth day.
It's sad that a leader could encourage youths to demonstrate instead of speaking peace and calling for dialogue.
And just this past May, his party the UPND notified the Police about their planned national wide demonstrations.
However, the UPND leadership has turned around and claim they are under no obligation to inform the police about their intention to hold demonstrations and protests.
Some political leaders are not worth to support. How in the world can HH and his party always resort to illegal demonstrations over issues that can be resolved through dialogue?
HH should understand that it is not everyone who is in line with his way of calling for attention.
No Zambian in their right mind can support such lawlessness. The poor people of Zambia have a lot of issues to deal with and HH should not provoke unnecessary tensions in our peaceful country.
It is unfortunate that a leader can act like an under five child who resorts to throwing tantrums whenever his demands are not met.
It is sad that HH has stuck to the idea of digging his own grave. His daily actions are self-eliminating.
HH should change his strategy if he intends to continue harboring presidential ambitions.
Let HH be useful and speak of development. You do not need to wait until you are president to bring your ideas of development on board.
Poor Reading Culture In Zambia
IN his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,
late American educator, author, businessman, and keynote speaker Stephen R. Covey
states, “There’s no better way to inform and expand your mind on a regular
basis than to get into the habit of reading good literature.’’
The issue of poor reading culture among Zambians as
one author recently observed springs up many times every year; and this has been
so for a good number of years now. However, this is one issue that dies a
natural death whenever it is brought to our attention.
That reading, whether for pleasure or for academic
purpose, is an essential habit that forms the bedrock of greatness in everyone,
regardless of age, gender or status is hardly disputed.
From my personal observation, the poor reading
culture in Zambia is largely attributed to the lack of adequate awareness on its
importance and inadequate public library facilities. It should also be noted that
the few libraries we have across the country are in deplorable condition.
I can cite Ndola's Lubuto West Township public library
which has been abandoned since the late 90s. This council library is just near
Lubuto Secondary School and can complement the school library by providing
services to the pupils many of whom are usually seen roaming the streets or
patronizing bars.
Singing about poor reading culture through print
media will yield little results. The government
should embark on a program that will revamp education infrastructures like public
libraries.
Public libraries are essential instruments for promoting
reading culture as they serve as recreational centres and provide creative
development to the children and local young adults by providing recreational
reading books for their personality development and spiritual growth in their
leisure time.
It has been said that the way of life of a nation is
largely influenced by the percentage of its citizens who are literate. Any research will
reveal that no country with high illiteracy levels has ever developed. For any
country to develop, it requires citizens who are able to critically analyze and
understand critical issues affecting them.
Therefore, in our quest
to improve the reading culture in the country, we should first start by investing
massively in public libraries and equip them with learning materials.
Tuesday 27 August 2013
THERE IS NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT
IN one of the cables released by Wikileaks in the
weeks following the ousting of former president Rupiah Bwezani Banda's MMD regime he was reported to have said the
reason his government relaxed on the fight against corruption was because he
had a lot of stakeholders to satisfy or something in those lines.
Whatever that meant, Rupiah claimed that he would
only intensify the crusade on corruption if he was given another term in
office. Unfortunately for Rupiah, that second term never came.
Perhaps the people of Zambia would have understood
if this came from his predecessor looking at how Dr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa [MHSRIP]
ascended to the highest office of the land. However, despite the late Mwanawasa
having a lot of “stakeholders” to satisfy, that never stopped our beloved late
president to get down to business and do what was expected of a good leader.
Had the late Mwanawasa waited until he was
re-elected to start his fight on corruption, I have lots of doubt whether we
would be talking of a Mwanawasa legacy today. If there is one big lesson our
political leaders can learn from the late Mwanawasa is that there is never a
perfect time to do what is right; and that if you have intentions of doing
something good, do it today for tomorrow is never promised to any of us.
Instead of doing what was right, for reasons known
best to himself, Rupiah chose to satisfy a few men at the expense of the
majority Zambians. And this is what has cost him his dream of being re-elected.
If Rupiah had chosen to put the interests of the nation above anything else, he
would not have vacated the presidential seat in tears as we witnessed during
his final speech.
In business it is believed that, your most unhappy
customers are your greatest source of learning. The same can be said in
politics. If Rupiah had taken time to listen to the cries of the majority
Zambians-I say majority because it is the majority who decided to kick him out
of office-perhaps he could still be president today.
Anyway, I’m aware of the fact that this message may
be too late for Rupiah Bwezani Banda. However, I believe it is timely for our
current government. There is a lot President Michael Chilufya Sata can learn from the mistakes
made by his predecessor.
Rupiah is no longer our president because he never
listened to the people he governed. Rupiah never understood what the people of
Zambia wanted because half the time he was too busy touring the globe.
Rupiah never heard our cries because he chose to
surround himself with useless vuvuzelas.
Today, Rupiah may feel betrayed and
deceived because he chose to put minions and puppets where they don’t belong. Rupiah
may feel lonely today because he chose to associate with opportunists.
Rupiah’s present is bitter because perhaps he forgot
the wise words of Mahatma Ghandi who said, “The future depends on what we do in
the present.” Rupiah was toppled because while he was at the top he was
too stubborn to listen to those at the bottom.
Rupiah is no longer in power because power got to
his head and forgot what the Bible say in Psalm 62:11 that, “God hath spoken
once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.”
To the current government I can only urge them to
never forget why the MMD is now in the opposition as I echo the wise words from
one of the greatest sons of Africa Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela who once said, “We
must use time wisely and forever realise that the time is always ripe to do
right.”
The Customer Is Not Always Right
THE phrase “The Customer Is Always Right’’ is said to have been originally coined by an American-born British retail magnate named Harry Gordon Selfridge. Selfridge was the founder of Selfridges, a London based department store in 1909.
Apparently, this term was meant to convince
customers that they will get good service at this company and to also convince
employees to give customers good service.
Zambia has a history of bad customer service. I have
seen shop owners and companies, big and small that treat their customers like
they were doing them a favour. Now, that’s quite a different subject for
another day.
Today, I want to talk about why a company that
religiously operates under the maxim ‘The Customer Is Always Right’ is bound to
fail.
First, we need to understand that the late 1800s and
early 1900s were certainly a different society than the one we live in today.
The maxim “The Customer Is Always Right’’ was coined at a time when people
treating each other with respect was a rule, not the exception. It was coined
at time when people had a moral compass and believed in God. Folks back then
lived by the golden rule and life was far much simpler.
This maxim may have worked in the 19th
and 20th centuries before most folks became so rude, narcissistic
and self-entitled.
Last December while I was in South African I visited
a local book store where I witnessed a lady throw a very large hardcover book
at the head of the bookstore’s employee who ducked in time for her to miss him.
Apparently, the lady was upset with that particular
employee because her daughter had bought her the book as a Christmas gift from
the bargain bin which she was returning. The lady refused to accept that her
daughter was “so cheap” to have bought the book from the bargain bin and
accused the employee of turning her daughter into a cheapskate.
While the employee tried to calmly explain to the
lady that it was the only book about The Beatles the store had which her
daughter thought her mom didn’t already have, the lady wouldn’t hear any of it.
Though the incident happened at the time when I was
about to leave that store, I lingered on and pretended to be looking at some
books when in truth I only wanted to see the end result of that scene.
When the store manager came to the scene I expected
him to listen to both sides of the story. But alas, he only listened to the
lady. And after telling her side of the story he apologized to the lady and
offered her discount on any book she wished to buy.
Here was a person who was clearly at fault and was
so rude she never cared she was making other customers uncomfortable being placated
by the store manager and giving her a discount coupled with a gift voucher.
It may seem like a nice thing to do, but all the
store manager was doing was reinforcing that negative behaviour from the lady.
I’m sure that lady left with the idea that she could get away with just about
anything in that bookstore.
I immediately left the store shaking my head while
wondering why the company chose to side with a petulant, unreasonable, angry,
self-entitled, demanding customer instead of its loyal employee.
Any adult who throw temper tantrums in public is
never right about anything, even if she/he is a loyal customer. Rudeness is an
immediate indicator that you are wrong and will stay wrong until you grow some
manners.
Regardless of the service, good or bad, there is no
justification for such vile behaviour. Just because someone is a customer at
any business doesn’t give them free reign to treat people like scum on the
bottom of their shoes. The term ‘the customer is always right’ does not mean
the customer can treat employees however they want.
A company that operates under the maxim ‘the
customer is always right’ only give its abrasive and egoistical customers an
unfair advantage and make its employees unhappy. In the end this results in
worse customer service as employees feel undervalued and demotivated.
It is now a common practice in business that
sometimes you need to fire a customer. Some customers are just not worth
keeping.
There is a pub on the Copperbelt that I used to
frequent that had a sign that said, ‘The Customer Is Always Right, The
Bartender Will Inform You When.’
A friend of mine who works for some restaurant in
Lusaka has a manager that always say: ‘The customer is always right until they
are wrong, and they need to get kicked out of the restaurant immediately.’
I remember one incident at the same restaurant when
one unruly client caused a scene over a trivial misunderstanding. The manager
walked to the gentleman and told him that his staff was not to be abused by him
and his bad attitude. I remember the manager saying to the unruly customer, ‘you
are not even good enough to be our clientele so leave and don’t come back.’ He
got up and left.
No one deserves to be berated with the sad excuse of
‘I had a bad day.’ It is customer service not customer servant.
I have made it a personal rule never to be rude or
demanding to people working in retail of any kind. They are just trying to do
their job. If I have a problem then I find a way to resolve it in an adult way.
If I don’t like the service I don’t return, and they lose my business. It’s as
simple as that.
If I can’t conduct myself in a mature manner then
why should I be treated in the same way? You get what you give. If you are
always getting bad customer service probably it’s because you are a bad
customer yourself.
Until everyone can be civilized and treat each other
with utmost respect, we certainly cannot renew the idea that the customer is
always right. Some customers are so obnoxious that I would rather not even have
their business if I were a business owner.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)