Prof. Chirwa and the MMD

I am sure many Zambians would not have heard of Prof. Chirwa before the POST decided to carry a number of articles on him in the last couple of weeks. He has actually been a regular columnist for the POST on motoring issues for sometime now.

The Prof. has been making positive contributions during his visit to Zambia. For instance he offered his services to GRZ to advise on the transport sector and actually requested for an audience with President. The other initiative he launched was the idea of a technology Park in Lusaka with a promise to invest approximately £2M of his own money. All these are noble ideas and worthy causes.

There is a story in the POST today that Prof. Chirwa has now joined the MMD. He is quoted saying he has been impressed by the economic policies of the MMD and the fifth national development plan. A number of people have even started speculating that the man wants to run for presidency. I welcome Prof. Chirwa's decision to join the MMD and make a contribution to the development of our country. It is only by encouraging people of integrity, not career politicians, to enter politics that we can start to change the political scene. It is somehow embarrassing that old timers like Mr. Sata still dominate politics in our country. However, for the Prof. to succeed, he has to be ready to fight the likes of Sata, Katele Kalumba and the other 'founders of the MMD'. Nevers Mumba is a good example of someone who thought he could make a positive contribution by joining the MMD. He was used by Levy to shore up his failing reputation only to be dismissed unceremoniously. The political scene is littered with such casualties. To be successful in Zambian politics one has to understand why people like Sata and Katele always manage to win elections at party conventions while more palatable characters have to rely on presidential appointments. Is it the case that the cadres and general public do not take a long term view and are only interested in instant gratification (a packet of Shake Shake or Chitenge Material)? How does one maintain his integrity by not engaging in these activities but still convince the cadres to vote in his favour?

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