A Zambian Perspective on perseverance and foreign investors from the Jubilee Center...
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Pioneers
Posted: 22 Apr 2009 02:08 AM PDT
The Republican President said that Zambia needed the spirit of pioneering if it wanted to get up. But how can Zambia get up when all it hears everyday is that, “You can’t get up on your own. Your hope is in the hands of foreign investors.” A pioneer spirit is not something one is born with, it is taught. How can a Zambian have a pioneering spirit when all that he knows is that of being unprotected, used and neglected? Who will help the Zambian who is asking, “What can I do to come out of poverty?” Who will guide the Zambian young men and women who are asking, “Where do I start to turn my community, my friends, my family and my country around?”
When you consider the president’s speech at Lumwana, it was not the Zambian who was being encouraged to have a pioneering spirit. It was the foreign investors. He told the investors, “We expect you to continue with your exploring programs; be the first company to produce the famous yellow cake seeing that you have uranium deposits on your mine already…” (Post 19, April). It was the foreign investors who were being invited to open processing companies to add value to our raw materials. It was not the Zambian who was being encouraged to take up the opportunity to do business in Zambia but the foreign investor.
Insert Photo: President Rupiah Banda commissioning Lumwana mine
The president acknowledged the spirit of perseverance exhibited by the investor. To practice perseverance means that a person has to be mentally and physically strong, and in unity with others, be committed to a specific goal and vision. The foreign investor was able to persevere because he developed a mutual trust with the government. The government should know better about the Zambians perseverance. It was Zambian persevering lifestyle that made it possible for our suffering freedom fighters to overcome colonialism through non-violent resistance. Can you imagine the power to set this country on the right path that lies in this quality of perseverance if it is nurtured properly?
Who will take advantage of this opportunity of the Zambian people’s attitude of self-control in the midst of famine or floods or HIV/AIDS or unemployment and turn it to hope? The Bible says, “We know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character and character hope. And we know that hope does not disappoint us… (Romans 5: 3,4). The church must help Zambians especially Christians to take seriously their citizenry responsibilities by discipling them spiritually, morally, economically and socially that they make meaningful contribution to build Zambia into the hub for social peace and economic sufficiency and the conscience of Africa. Pray for a day when a president of Zambia will open a mining company owned by Zambian investors. Pray for a day when a president will tell us of a story of a Zambian fighting hardship and succeeding in running a mining company.
Lawrence Temfwe
Showing posts with label zambia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zambia. Show all posts
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Friday, December 26, 2008
Love towards the orphaned at Christmastime
A seasonal word about the Christian response to orphans from Lawrence Temfwe of the Micah Challenge in Zambia...
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It is difficult to imagine Joseph’s feeling when the angel of the Lord told him to go ahead and marry Mary even though she was expecting a child that was not his biological. He may not have wanted to do it, but he obeyed. God often requires extra ordinary obedience from His servants who are facing extra ordinary times. Joseph was a man with strong beliefs. He obeyed God and accepted the fact that the pain involved in obedience may benefit others and not him personally.
Think of the pain Joseph had to endure as a result of his obedience. First he had to marry Mary, honour her virginity and provide nursing care for her until the baby was born. Just in case you don’t get it, the baby Mary was carrying was not his. Second, Joseph had to relocate from his home and his people to go and live as a refugee in Egypt in order to protect the life of a child that was not his. Third, Joseph had to live his role as Jesus’ earthly father, training him in the trade of carpentry and making sure he had good spiritual foundation (Luke 2.52).
Joseph knew Jesus was someone special from the moment he heard the angel’s words. His strong belief in that fact, and his willingness to follow God’s leading empowered him to be Jesus’ chosen earthly father. Joseph knew that children “are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him” (Psalm 127.3).
Zambia today has 1,000,000 orphans. These are children without an earthly father or mother. Can you imagine? Almost 10% of Zambia’s populations are orphans. Some live in our homes and sometimes we treat them like second class citizens. Others live in the streets and are ill-treated and abused. Christians in Zambia are facing extra ordinary times that require extra ordinary obedience. How have we as church responded to this challenge? How have we as Christian individuals responded? Have we obeyed Him like Joseph did? Have we trusted God that He knows everything and has special purpose for these children? Jesus, said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sends me.” This Christmas if you act with compassion, justice and love towards any of these children you will be welcoming Jesus and you will be giving a special present to Him. After all, it’s His birthday isn’t it?
Lawrence Temfwe
Wishing you Joy and Peace this Christmas and the year to come (Isaiah 9:6)
From Jubilee Centre Staff and Board
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It is difficult to imagine Joseph’s feeling when the angel of the Lord told him to go ahead and marry Mary even though she was expecting a child that was not his biological. He may not have wanted to do it, but he obeyed. God often requires extra ordinary obedience from His servants who are facing extra ordinary times. Joseph was a man with strong beliefs. He obeyed God and accepted the fact that the pain involved in obedience may benefit others and not him personally.
Think of the pain Joseph had to endure as a result of his obedience. First he had to marry Mary, honour her virginity and provide nursing care for her until the baby was born. Just in case you don’t get it, the baby Mary was carrying was not his. Second, Joseph had to relocate from his home and his people to go and live as a refugee in Egypt in order to protect the life of a child that was not his. Third, Joseph had to live his role as Jesus’ earthly father, training him in the trade of carpentry and making sure he had good spiritual foundation (Luke 2.52).
Joseph knew Jesus was someone special from the moment he heard the angel’s words. His strong belief in that fact, and his willingness to follow God’s leading empowered him to be Jesus’ chosen earthly father. Joseph knew that children “are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him” (Psalm 127.3).
Zambia today has 1,000,000 orphans. These are children without an earthly father or mother. Can you imagine? Almost 10% of Zambia’s populations are orphans. Some live in our homes and sometimes we treat them like second class citizens. Others live in the streets and are ill-treated and abused. Christians in Zambia are facing extra ordinary times that require extra ordinary obedience. How have we as church responded to this challenge? How have we as Christian individuals responded? Have we obeyed Him like Joseph did? Have we trusted God that He knows everything and has special purpose for these children? Jesus, said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sends me.” This Christmas if you act with compassion, justice and love towards any of these children you will be welcoming Jesus and you will be giving a special present to Him. After all, it’s His birthday isn’t it?
Lawrence Temfwe
Wishing you Joy and Peace this Christmas and the year to come (Isaiah 9:6)
From Jubilee Centre Staff and Board
Friday, November 7, 2008
Let's Talk Bread- Chicago Dec 2
NOTICE FOR 2ND MEETING
Let’s Talk Bread
Extreme poverty. Microfinance. Foreign aid. Charity vs. self-help. Public vs. private.
These are just some of the subjects likely to be pursued at the next meeting of the Let’s Talk Bread discussion group on Dec. 2 in Oak Park. “The Bottom Billion,” a book by Paul Collier (under $10 on Amazon.com or free at your library) and a series of articles in the Christian Science Monitor by Mark Lange (www.csmonitor.com/2008/0310/p09s01-coop.html?page=1) will be the catalyst for this session’s conversation.
Join the conversation at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at United Lutheran Church in Oak Park, 409 Greenfield Street (Greenfield and North Ridgeland, two blocks south of the Ridgeland-North Avenue intersection).
Let’s Talk Bread is a Chicago-area group that, guided by Christian convictions, hopes regular conversations—whether centered on a topical book, article or current event—can help illuminate the problems of poverty and hunger and shed light on just which possible solutions hold promise and which do not.
For more information contact John Stumme (johnrichst@comcast.net or 773-777-3907) or Rich Liefer (rl.liefer@sbcglobal.net).
Let’s Talk Bread
Extreme poverty. Microfinance. Foreign aid. Charity vs. self-help. Public vs. private.
These are just some of the subjects likely to be pursued at the next meeting of the Let’s Talk Bread discussion group on Dec. 2 in Oak Park. “The Bottom Billion,” a book by Paul Collier (under $10 on Amazon.com or free at your library) and a series of articles in the Christian Science Monitor by Mark Lange (www.csmonitor.com/2008/0310/p09s01-coop.html?page=1) will be the catalyst for this session’s conversation.
Join the conversation at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at United Lutheran Church in Oak Park, 409 Greenfield Street (Greenfield and North Ridgeland, two blocks south of the Ridgeland-North Avenue intersection).
Let’s Talk Bread is a Chicago-area group that, guided by Christian convictions, hopes regular conversations—whether centered on a topical book, article or current event—can help illuminate the problems of poverty and hunger and shed light on just which possible solutions hold promise and which do not.
For more information contact John Stumme (johnrichst@comcast.net or 773-777-3907) or Rich Liefer (rl.liefer@sbcglobal.net).
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Micah Challenge Zambia pushes for MDG's during election
This came to me from the Micah Challenge in Zambia...some press they got for advocacy regarding the Millennium Development Goals during Zambian election time. I always like to put in an African perspective when I can...
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THE POST, Friday, September 19, 2008 – Home News
A CHRISTIAN non-governmental organization has advised presidential candidates in the October 30 election to make a commitment towards the attainment of millennium development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.
And National Royal Foundation of Zambia chairperson Chief Bright Nalubamba (right) has asked presidential aspirants to meet all traditional Leaders to explain their agenda for the rural poor before asking for their votes.
In a statement, Micah Challenge Zambia national facilitator Pastor Lawrence also called on Christians in the country to vote for a person who would promote integrity, righteous and justice.
“We call on all Zambians not to vote tribe, Chibuku, party or age, but character, vision and strategy on how we will attain the millennium Development Goals,” he said.
And commenting on the heads of state meeting on the MDGs to take place in New York on September 25, pastor Temfwe called on leaders from the developing countries to urge G8 nations to fulfill the pledges they made to poor countries.
Pastor Temfwe also expressed dissatisfaction with the US$60 billion pledged by the rich nations towards health.
And chief Nalubamba said traditional leaders need to know what the presidential aspirants stood for so that people know who they were voting for.
“ There is greater need than before for the aspirants to meet the traditional leaders through out the country so that they can explain what they have for the rural poor,” Chief Nalubamba said. We have been marginalized for some time and our people remain poor so we have to know this time around what we are voting for.”
Chief Nalubamba said traditional leaders and the rural poor had the right to know what was there for them from the presidential candidates in the October 30 by-election.
He advised the candidates to reserve some days of their campaign period for a meeting with traditional leaders to discuss issues that affected the rural communities.
“We need to know how each of the candidates intends to work with traditional leaders in the fight against rural poverty,” said Chief Nalubamba. “ There should be no restriction on how should meet traditional leaders to allow the rural people to elect the best candidate. We now have to speak out strongly about traditional leaders’ effective involvement and participation in governance and development as servants of the rural poor.”
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THE POST, Friday, September 19, 2008 – Home News
A CHRISTIAN non-governmental organization has advised presidential candidates in the October 30 election to make a commitment towards the attainment of millennium development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.
And National Royal Foundation of Zambia chairperson Chief Bright Nalubamba (right) has asked presidential aspirants to meet all traditional Leaders to explain their agenda for the rural poor before asking for their votes.
In a statement, Micah Challenge Zambia national facilitator Pastor Lawrence also called on Christians in the country to vote for a person who would promote integrity, righteous and justice.
“We call on all Zambians not to vote tribe, Chibuku, party or age, but character, vision and strategy on how we will attain the millennium Development Goals,” he said.
And commenting on the heads of state meeting on the MDGs to take place in New York on September 25, pastor Temfwe called on leaders from the developing countries to urge G8 nations to fulfill the pledges they made to poor countries.
Pastor Temfwe also expressed dissatisfaction with the US$60 billion pledged by the rich nations towards health.
And chief Nalubamba said traditional leaders need to know what the presidential aspirants stood for so that people know who they were voting for.
“ There is greater need than before for the aspirants to meet the traditional leaders through out the country so that they can explain what they have for the rural poor,” Chief Nalubamba said. We have been marginalized for some time and our people remain poor so we have to know this time around what we are voting for.”
Chief Nalubamba said traditional leaders and the rural poor had the right to know what was there for them from the presidential candidates in the October 30 by-election.
He advised the candidates to reserve some days of their campaign period for a meeting with traditional leaders to discuss issues that affected the rural communities.
“We need to know how each of the candidates intends to work with traditional leaders in the fight against rural poverty,” said Chief Nalubamba. “ There should be no restriction on how should meet traditional leaders to allow the rural people to elect the best candidate. We now have to speak out strongly about traditional leaders’ effective involvement and participation in governance and development as servants of the rural poor.”
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Poverty and Sustainability in Zambia (MDG's 1&7)
Sometimes anti-pov and eco activists forget how much the two issues are intertwined. This latest piece from the Micah Challenge in Zambia shows how Millennium Development Goal #1 (Eradicate extreme hunger & poverty) is connected deeply with MDG #7 (Ensure environmental sustainability).
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Press Statement on the ZESCO Power cuts.
Posted: 29 Jan 2008 07:06 AM CST
Micah Challenge Zambia is concerned with the pressure we seem to be exerting on the environment due to the power crisis that our nation has been going through for last several months and recently made worse by the extended power cuts. The extended power cuts are reversing the gains we have been making in the fight against poverty.
Our nation is endowed with a wealth of natural resources within 16 ecosystems with landscapes that range from extensive forests to wetlands. This rich natural resource is under threat if we cannot control the wanton destruction of forests due to charcoal burning. Sadly, Zambia faces daunting challenges of de-forestation at the rate of 250-300 thousand ha per year. The destruction of our forests will lead to reduced biodiversity.
Due to the current power blackouts being experienced in our nation, the search for alternative sources of fuel will lead to unsustainable charcoal production and increased demand for fuel-wood. As more households demand for charcoal as an alternative source of energy our forests will be face further destructions. This will make it difficult for Zambia to attain Millennium Development Goal number 7, where we have committed ourselves to ensure environmental sustainability. . In the year 2000, the government of Zambia and 188 other nations made a promise to halve poverty by 2015 through the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Many of the goals are in danger of not being met in Zambia. As a coalition of Christians committed to standing up for justice, we remind the Zambian government to keep the promises they made. Conserving natural resources will certainly contribute to the reduction of poverty in our country.
Unsustainable destruction of our forests will certainly contribute to climate change. This climate change which is human induced impacts negatively mostly on ecosystems. As a nation as we operate within the United Nations Framework on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol we need to curb practices which will ultimately accelerate the process of climate change. Failure to control change factors that accelerate climate change will lead to widespread loss of productivity, erosion, reduction in stream flow and other negative impacts. Today we are threatened by destructive floods due to climate change.
Micah Challenge Zambia calls on the Zambian Government to quickly resolve the problem being faced by ZESCO to meet the ever rising electricity demand. Micah Challenge Zambia urges government leaders to re-focus their efforts, especially to ensure the following goals are met: With the extensive power cuts or load shedding in place most households regardless of their economic status are depending on charcoal. The rising demand for charcoal is not good for this nation as it has negative effect on environmental sustainability.
---------------------------------------------------------
Press Statement on the ZESCO Power cuts.
Posted: 29 Jan 2008 07:06 AM CST
Micah Challenge Zambia is concerned with the pressure we seem to be exerting on the environment due to the power crisis that our nation has been going through for last several months and recently made worse by the extended power cuts. The extended power cuts are reversing the gains we have been making in the fight against poverty.
Our nation is endowed with a wealth of natural resources within 16 ecosystems with landscapes that range from extensive forests to wetlands. This rich natural resource is under threat if we cannot control the wanton destruction of forests due to charcoal burning. Sadly, Zambia faces daunting challenges of de-forestation at the rate of 250-300 thousand ha per year. The destruction of our forests will lead to reduced biodiversity.
Due to the current power blackouts being experienced in our nation, the search for alternative sources of fuel will lead to unsustainable charcoal production and increased demand for fuel-wood. As more households demand for charcoal as an alternative source of energy our forests will be face further destructions. This will make it difficult for Zambia to attain Millennium Development Goal number 7, where we have committed ourselves to ensure environmental sustainability. . In the year 2000, the government of Zambia and 188 other nations made a promise to halve poverty by 2015 through the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Many of the goals are in danger of not being met in Zambia. As a coalition of Christians committed to standing up for justice, we remind the Zambian government to keep the promises they made. Conserving natural resources will certainly contribute to the reduction of poverty in our country.
Unsustainable destruction of our forests will certainly contribute to climate change. This climate change which is human induced impacts negatively mostly on ecosystems. As a nation as we operate within the United Nations Framework on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol we need to curb practices which will ultimately accelerate the process of climate change. Failure to control change factors that accelerate climate change will lead to widespread loss of productivity, erosion, reduction in stream flow and other negative impacts. Today we are threatened by destructive floods due to climate change.
Micah Challenge Zambia calls on the Zambian Government to quickly resolve the problem being faced by ZESCO to meet the ever rising electricity demand. Micah Challenge Zambia urges government leaders to re-focus their efforts, especially to ensure the following goals are met: With the extensive power cuts or load shedding in place most households regardless of their economic status are depending on charcoal. The rising demand for charcoal is not good for this nation as it has negative effect on environmental sustainability.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Backlash against ONE campaign
I've seen 2 articles in major newspapers taking a position against how ONE portrays Africa...as a dark hole of disease and death. The claim is made that western celebrities hype the disaster to further their own careers and minimize the work of Africans. To offer another perspective, here's a message about Africa from an African. My colleague, Lawrence Temwfe, urges Christians to be make their voices heard in their democracy. In his piece to fellow Zambians, he cites the problems they face in terms not unlike what I have heard from the ONE campaign. Their problems are real whether told by Mr. Temfwe, Tony Blair or Bono. We should listen to their appeals for help and act!
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The Constitution Making Process
The church has, for some time now, been reacting to the Constitution-making process debate rather than leading the course to work and make sacrifices toward a good and just nation. As we read of the new developments in our papers and watch the discussions on our screens we are confused, alarmed and worried. As church we ought to be concerned for issues of justice and mercy which may lead to economic security, health care and educational opportunity. As most of the churches in Zambia are doing ministry among people living on $1 per day, we find ourselves in the midst of death and orphans and vulnerable children, of increasing violence against women, drug abuse, prostitution, and rising hopelessness among our youths in our communities. We are faced with these issues of injustice and oppression as we preach the gospel in our communities.
Through out the history of this nation, the church has been doing something to alleviate the sufferings of our people and has contributed to the quest for social justice. We have assisted victims of calamities in our country in relief and development. We are caring for orphans and vulnerable children and their families, preparing them for responsible and productive citizenship. In development programs, the church is laying down the foundation for a effective long-term involvement by integrating courses and workshops in community development for its members. We are doing something. We are establishing the groundwork for the future.
We should consider doing much more than the present scope of our developmental ministries. We believe that Christian involvement in the Constitution making process is not only a missiological option. It is not just a citizen duty but a theological responsibility that can help determine the destiny of our nation. In the coming crucial months in our political life, we need to face the unavoidable reality that we are both Zambian Christians and citizens.
These times call us to reflection and action. As we do, let us remember that the church is called to meet people’s needs through loving them in the way that God loves them. Charles Colson in his book Kingdom in Conflict states that ‘a patriot sees the flaws of his country acknowledges them, weeps for them, but remains faithful in love.’ Let us also remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Whom you would want to change, you must first love” (1987:247). Such an insight brings profound understanding to our minds through the challenge of John 3:16, “God so loved the world that he gave us his only son.” And Jesus’ statement that, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
As we advocate for a just and good Constitution, we must submit voluntarily and peacefully to the process and penalty of law. Our response must be done in love, in order, and without violence.
Lawrence Temfwe
-----------
The Constitution Making Process
The church has, for some time now, been reacting to the Constitution-making process debate rather than leading the course to work and make sacrifices toward a good and just nation. As we read of the new developments in our papers and watch the discussions on our screens we are confused, alarmed and worried. As church we ought to be concerned for issues of justice and mercy which may lead to economic security, health care and educational opportunity. As most of the churches in Zambia are doing ministry among people living on $1 per day, we find ourselves in the midst of death and orphans and vulnerable children, of increasing violence against women, drug abuse, prostitution, and rising hopelessness among our youths in our communities. We are faced with these issues of injustice and oppression as we preach the gospel in our communities.
Through out the history of this nation, the church has been doing something to alleviate the sufferings of our people and has contributed to the quest for social justice. We have assisted victims of calamities in our country in relief and development. We are caring for orphans and vulnerable children and their families, preparing them for responsible and productive citizenship. In development programs, the church is laying down the foundation for a effective long-term involvement by integrating courses and workshops in community development for its members. We are doing something. We are establishing the groundwork for the future.
We should consider doing much more than the present scope of our developmental ministries. We believe that Christian involvement in the Constitution making process is not only a missiological option. It is not just a citizen duty but a theological responsibility that can help determine the destiny of our nation. In the coming crucial months in our political life, we need to face the unavoidable reality that we are both Zambian Christians and citizens.
These times call us to reflection and action. As we do, let us remember that the church is called to meet people’s needs through loving them in the way that God loves them. Charles Colson in his book Kingdom in Conflict states that ‘a patriot sees the flaws of his country acknowledges them, weeps for them, but remains faithful in love.’ Let us also remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Whom you would want to change, you must first love” (1987:247). Such an insight brings profound understanding to our minds through the challenge of John 3:16, “God so loved the world that he gave us his only son.” And Jesus’ statement that, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
As we advocate for a just and good Constitution, we must submit voluntarily and peacefully to the process and penalty of law. Our response must be done in love, in order, and without violence.
Lawrence Temfwe
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Reflections from Zambia
The following is this week's installment of a column written by Lawrence Temfwe, whom I was blessed to meet last month. He is the executive director of the Jubilee Centre (jubileecentre.org) in Zambia which helps Zambian churches and communities have a voice in the world. Read on for a sample of an African view about Africa...
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Tony Blair’s Retirement
Tony Blair is due to leave 10 Downing Street this week with a significant pile of personal debt in excess of $7.2 million (Chicago Tribune 21st June). This is mainly due to his purchase of a house on mortgage. Wait a minute, is this right? A Prime Minister of one the most powerful and richest country in the world who has been in power for 10 years is leaving office with debt. This does not sound right.
In Africa, political leaders come into power with a few millions of wealth in their local currency and leave office as dollar multi-millionaires. They come into office with debt of mortgage on properties they own and leave office with more properties acquired and paid for in full. In some African countries, the governments are also obliged to build their former Presidents similar houses to the government house they occupied when they were in power.
Why are African governments which are so poor in financial resources able to create dollar millionaires from their Presidents while European and North American states that are so wealthy in resources have leaders who leave their powerful office with debt which they incur while in office?
Like former President of USA, Bill Clinton, Blair is expected to make more money than he did as Prime Minister out of his memoirs, fees on lecture circuit, seats on boards or other business opportunities. Blair will use the money earned in this way to pay his debt and most likely even start a foundation that will respond to poverty in Africa or climate change which were on the top of his agenda while he served as Prime Minister. We too have former presidents who are involved in humanitarian work. They must be commended for their work of compassion.
However, if our leaders will want us to buy their memoirs and expect us to pay fees for their lectures they must fully engage us in their governance that we are able to see how their work’s success relate to us. They must especially be transparent about their earnings, so that the acquired wealth at the end of their term will not be the subject of discussion as to whether they were serving their people or their pockets.
For Christian leaders, we have in Jesus a great example of a leader who made sure that His ministry’s success related to the disciples. Jesus fully engaged His disciples in His ministry and was transparent to them in all His actions. Today 2000 years after His death, we still continue to buy His memoirs (the Bible) and do the work He sent us to do. Jesus provided a structure that allows His followers to infuse themselves into His work, so that they can inspire those who will follow them in sacrificial and legendary ways. Christian leaders must lead like Jesus did, hence, encouraging politicians to lead in the same way. African people are tired of leaders who leave office as dollar multi-millionaires not because they worked hard but because they choose to serve their pockets rather than the people who elected them.
Lawrence Temfwe
Executive Director of the Jubilee Centre in Zambia
-------------------
Tony Blair’s Retirement
Tony Blair is due to leave 10 Downing Street this week with a significant pile of personal debt in excess of $7.2 million (Chicago Tribune 21st June). This is mainly due to his purchase of a house on mortgage. Wait a minute, is this right? A Prime Minister of one the most powerful and richest country in the world who has been in power for 10 years is leaving office with debt. This does not sound right.
In Africa, political leaders come into power with a few millions of wealth in their local currency and leave office as dollar multi-millionaires. They come into office with debt of mortgage on properties they own and leave office with more properties acquired and paid for in full. In some African countries, the governments are also obliged to build their former Presidents similar houses to the government house they occupied when they were in power.
Why are African governments which are so poor in financial resources able to create dollar millionaires from their Presidents while European and North American states that are so wealthy in resources have leaders who leave their powerful office with debt which they incur while in office?
Like former President of USA, Bill Clinton, Blair is expected to make more money than he did as Prime Minister out of his memoirs, fees on lecture circuit, seats on boards or other business opportunities. Blair will use the money earned in this way to pay his debt and most likely even start a foundation that will respond to poverty in Africa or climate change which were on the top of his agenda while he served as Prime Minister. We too have former presidents who are involved in humanitarian work. They must be commended for their work of compassion.
However, if our leaders will want us to buy their memoirs and expect us to pay fees for their lectures they must fully engage us in their governance that we are able to see how their work’s success relate to us. They must especially be transparent about their earnings, so that the acquired wealth at the end of their term will not be the subject of discussion as to whether they were serving their people or their pockets.
For Christian leaders, we have in Jesus a great example of a leader who made sure that His ministry’s success related to the disciples. Jesus fully engaged His disciples in His ministry and was transparent to them in all His actions. Today 2000 years after His death, we still continue to buy His memoirs (the Bible) and do the work He sent us to do. Jesus provided a structure that allows His followers to infuse themselves into His work, so that they can inspire those who will follow them in sacrificial and legendary ways. Christian leaders must lead like Jesus did, hence, encouraging politicians to lead in the same way. African people are tired of leaders who leave office as dollar multi-millionaires not because they worked hard but because they choose to serve their pockets rather than the people who elected them.
Lawrence Temfwe
Executive Director of the Jubilee Centre in Zambia
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