8 October 2008
editorial
THE 2008 World Teachers Day has come and gone. But unlike in previous years, there were powerful messages coming out of this noble profession on this year's International Teachers' Day on Monday.
Powerful speeches were delivered on improved conditions of service in various parts of the country and the most striking message came from Solwezi where the teachers cast their sights on the October 30 presidential election.
Zambia National Union of Teachers (ZNUT) North-Western Province chairperson Stephen Chipango had a strong message for candidates aspiring for the vacant office of Republican president in Zambia.
Speaking for the ZNUT in Solwezi, Mr Chipango said the presidential candidates should talk about how they will tackle social and economic problems affecting teachers.
Mr Chipango's concerns are also our concerns, only that ours are a bit broader.
The social and economic problems are not only affecting teachers, but many Zambians as well.
The aspirants must therefore use the next few weeks to campaign on issues rather than dwell on character assassination, which is counter-development.
Our worry is that the campaigns have taken a wrong turn with some of the candidates dwelling on personalities and little, if any, on what they would do if they are ushered into State House.
Often, candidates and their agents are lost in non-developmental issues when Zambians want to hear how their economy will grow and in turn create jobs and put money in their pockets.
That will in turn help Zambians attain economic empowerment.
Zambians are concerned about the high food and fuel prices.
There is need for massive investment in the country and the only way forward would be for the aspiring candidates to attract investors instead of scaring away potential foreign capital that is so much needed in Zambia.
Zambians are hungry for development and would want the new president to tread a path that is not destructive.
What has been gained in the last few years in terms of economic development needs to be preserved and, to a larger extent, improved upon.
That will not be possible if candidates aspiring for the highest office in the land trade insults, personal hatred and are seen to be divisive in their campaigns.
What they need to show is tolerance and maturity and, as Mr Chipango said, exercise restraint each time they stand on the campaign podium.
It is our hope that the candidates will heed Mr Chipango's advice and that Zambians will in the next few days begin to see issue-based campaigns.
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