He wrote:
WHAT NEXT?
The concept of democracy proposes a continuous dialogue between those elected in leadership and those they lead. This dialogue should not just be during campaigns but throughout the electoral cycle. The absence of this dialogue this government and many other governments risk being at war with their own people. Those in leadership have an obligation to dialogue with those who put them in power.
The news that the government have by force removed mobile money booths is very unfortunate and to a greater extent an attack on the government itself. The agenda of the government is to promote entrepreneurship in the country as a way of addressing the problem of joblessness in the country. The same government cannot be seen to be the one to attack the few Zambians that have taken the step in responding to this call. These are poor youths who have refused to beg for a living. They have refused to involve themselves in illicit activities just for survival. The best any government can do is help them succeed and cushion the pressure that we face as a country. To destroy and treat these citizens like criminals is not the best approach. Being in a democracy, the leadership should have shared what their agenda is for cleanliness in the city of Lusaka and how they plan to address the concerns by the money booth vendors. The government cannot bring development to this country without the participation of its citizens and any manifestation of development that leaves out the people is futile. You cannot clean your streets while people are starving and drowning in joblessness. The government can easily achieve its goal of cleaning up the city without attacking the few citizens who are trying their best to survive.
We should not aspire to appear clean, we should aim to be clean. The efforts of the poor amongst us should never be seen as dirty before we find them solutions. The bringing down of these money booths is simply government provoking its citizens. There is no evidence to show that the ministry responsible for this did reach out to these citizens doing business in the booths. There is nothing to show that the people refused to meet government to discuss the way forward. We can safely assume that the government did not reach out to these operators and that this government has not shared their plan with the individuals affected.
My appeal to the government is; These people trading in booths are the same that danced on your victory. Stop frustrating them, they just want to work. There could be something wrong that you have noticed, but these are human beings like you. Invite them, speak to them and reason together. They too love this country and interested to live in a clean country. Do not assume the position of a master over a free people. Create platforms to dialogue with these people and anyone of interest. For your agenda to be sustainable, you need the support of these same people.
Do not fight the good people trying their best to contribute to the building of this country. We are in a democracy therefore we should not be scared to speak to those standing on the opposite side of any situation. While the president is working to rebuild the economy , the government cannot be seen to be alienating the same people he seeks to serve. You as the government today, have the kindness and support of these same poor people today, be careful how you treat them. Stop assuming problems if you’ve never talked to the people.
Show the people the leadership they never saw previously. What you have done to these people is not any different to what the PF would have done to them. Show them that you are better leaders by doing something better not just claiming it.