ZAMBIA AT 60: SAY NO TO POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM
As Zambia celebrates 60 years of independence today, it’s time to reflect on the journey our country has taken and the kind of leadership we need moving forward as in these six decades, we have seen the best and worst of our politics.
Throughout my political journey, having officially joined the Patriotic Front (PF) as a branch official nearly 20 years ago, I have learned a vital truth: those who start their political careers at the grassroots level rarely engage in what is often termed “political prostitution” – the habit of jumping from one party to another for personal gain.
Yes, I have seen people shift political parties based on changes in ideology but what I am witnessing today is a pattern where individuals quickly switch allegiance from the previous ruling party to the current one, revealing opportunism rather than principle confirming that indeed these are the people who are allergic to the hardships of opposition politics and are drawn to the allure of power, regardless of their former stance.
As we reflect on Zambia’s 60 years of nationhood, it is concerning to see how the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has suddenly become attractive even to those who once insulted it the loudest forgetting that there is a marked difference between two parties forming a Memorandum of Understanding with well-defined terms, and an individual abandoning their political values overnight with such swift shifts, from socialism to capitalism, for instance, demonstrating a lack of integrity and consistency.
As we honor 60 years of our nation’s history, we must remember that politics should be a tool for delivering service to the people, not for enriching personal lives or families because when we allow opportunists – who lack leadership credentials – to rise to the top, we inevitably end up with individuals seeking to benefit where they haven’t invested with this kind of leadership doing a disservice to Zambia’s future.
From today, 24th October, 2024, onwards, we need a new chapter in Zambian politics – one built on integrity, where both ruling and opposition parties play their roles with consistency and commitment with opposition councilors, mayors, and MPs able to work with the ruling party on development programs freely, but making sure that these programs focus solely on uplifting the people, not on undermining opposition politics or advancing selfish political agendas.
Where is the integrity when one can auction off the very political party that supported them, only to turn to the highest bidder for a position in the ruling party forgetting that these actions betray the loyal members who stood firm in opposition, enduring challenges that these opportunists could not?
As we celebrate Zambia at 60, we must teach our fellow citizens, whether in the ruling or opposition parties, that success comes from genuine effort, not opportunism hence the need to invest in our grassroots members now.
Politics may be a game of numbers, but we need people who have fought alongside us in the trenches of opposition, numbers that will stand with us through all seasons – rain or shine, as this system of honoring new members at the expense of old members will make us continue seeing youth chairmen who have aged into grandfathers, unable to advance because critical positions have been filled by newcomers who fear the hardships of opposition politics.
As we approach 2026, it is likely we will again see candidates with no grassroots presence, offering nothing but money, being awarded party adoption certificates forgetting that these are the same opportunists who jump ship when their support is needed the most hence this timely message on Zambia’s 60th anniversary: Invest in your genuine members.
Let integrity, consistency, and loyalty to the people guide our political future, not the self-serving ambitions of opportunists, with emphasis that let Zambia at 60 be a reminder of the power of grassroots politics and a call to nurture leaders who will truly serve the nation.
Saulos The Komboni Ambassador
ZAMBIA AT 60: SAY NO TO POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM
