The Brain Drain Blog Talk Radio team hosted Lt. General Ronnie Shipwasha for a 4 hour show on 18th July 2009. I encourage everyone to listen to this programme to get an insight on the workings of government and get to know the Hon. Minister.
I generally have no regard for MMD politicians as I think they are all out to make a quick dollar. However, Hon. Shikapwasha was very honest and open in his answers to some very difficult and at times hostile (but necessary) questions. What really moved me was the development he has brought to his constituency in Kembe (Central Province). He is using his network of friends locally and abroad to harness resources and skills to uplift the lives of the people of Kembe. I believe this is one of the few cases where a politician is actually committed to perform his role as a representative of the people while expecting nothing in return. The challenge that was put to him was why what was happening in Kembe is not being replicated in the other 149 constituencies.
One wonders how a government with seemly intelligent and honest members like Hon. Shikapwasha still manages to make some very daft decisions. I think this is because of politics of poverty (or of the stomach). For instance, Hon. Shikapwasha described how he left the Air Force with only ZMK40 Million and had to move into an incomplete house and had to sell a number of personal and household effects to fund his campaign in Kembe. He is now obviously enjoying the benefits of being in power and it is inconceivable that he would bite the hand that is feeding him. As a result he has had to follow the party line and support some unpopular decisions under the disguise of collective responsibility. We all know that the General has Presidential ambitions but he has not voiced his concerns over the MMD’s decision to adopt RB as its next Presidential candidate without going to the convention.
It seems to me that Edmund Burke (1729-1797) was correct when he said "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing". We clearly have a few good men in government and positions of authority and we are relying on them to speak out for the people of Zambia. Leaders should be ready to make a stance even from within Cabinet. I always remember the day the Robin Cook decided to resign as Leader of the House of Commons in the government of Tony Blair over the Iraq war. Here was a good example of a politician giving up the trappings of power to make a point of principle.
The PANEL
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