WE may not agree with former president Edgar Lungu in a number of things, more so, in the manner he ran this country to the point of running it down by plunging us into the economic malaise whose effects we are still feeling, but in no way are we going to grandstand for those who find it fit to start insulting him for nothing wrong he has done.
What we saw last week where suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres abused Mr. Lungu when he turned up at the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) after his family was summoned, is utter nonsense and must be stopped forthwith.
We condemned Lungu’s tyrannical rule and in no way are we going to turn a blind eye to what some cadres are doing. We saw this kind of behaviour under the Patriotic Front (PF) where cadres did all sorts of wrong things but still, Lungu and his people saw it fit to defend them each time they misbehaved by blaming it on the victims and portraying them as perpetrators of violence.
The wounds of what we went through under PF are still fresh. One of the main reasons the PF lost the 2021 elections was because of violence and cadreism, the same thing some UPND members are trying to resurrect today. In the same manner, when and if people feel oppressed, they may use the ballot box to kick out the UPND and it would be naïve of us to pretend what is happening is right, yet we condemned similar acts under the previous Government.
These cadres may not agree with Lungu on principle but that does not give them permission to abuse him on any blessed day. There was nothing wrong Lungu did by offering solidarity to his family. Whether or not the family has a case to answer, it is not up to the UPND cadres to decide. If there is prima facie evidence that the former First Family have broken the law, DEC should be able to build up a triable case and secure conviction. The courts of law will make a determination based on the evidence presented.
DEC did not need any help from UPND cadres on this matter. Our view is that they are on firm ground and well-qualified to do their job diligently and without the need for external undue influence. After all, it was DEC that summoned Lungu’s family and not the UPND. So what were those insults against the former Head of State for? What was the point of going to DEC offices? Who invited them and for what reason?
The UPND should realise that what is good for the goose must also be good for the gander. The same injustices they want to inflict on anyone who does not belong to their party is the same injustice they suffered under Lungu and we thought being in opposition for such a long time and especially under Lungu’s reign which was beyond barbaric, they should have picked up vital lessons on how not to conduct politics but the gloomy picture we are seeing is worrying.
We believed then, and we still believe even now, that what is fair or appropriate for one person should be fair or appropriate for another. In other words, the same rules or standards should apply to everyone in a fair and equal manner. This is where fairness, equality, and consistency plays a huge role in how individuals must be treated.
It is a principle of treating others as you would like to be treated yourself, and ensuring that no one is given preferential treatment or subjected to unfair discrimination. In a just society, this principle is essential in upholding equality under the law, promoting fairness in decision-making, and ensuring that all individuals are held to the same standards and expectations.
It reinforces the idea that justice should be blind and impartial, and that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background or circumstances.
Cadreism can have significant negative effects on a society. It can result in the marginalization and disenfranchisement of large segments of the population. One of the most concerning consequences of cadreism is the potential for political violence.
When a small group of individuals mistreats others, those who feel offended may resort to violence as a means of expressing their grievances and seeking redress. This can lead to social unrest, instability, and even civil conflict.
In addition, cadreism can also stifle dissent and limit political participation, as those who do not belong to the ruling class may fear reprisals if they speak out against the Government or attempt to challenge the status quo.
This can have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and expression, and undermine the principles of democracy and good governance. Overall, cadreism and political violence are deeply interconnected, with the former often serving as a catalyst for the latter. Addressing cadreism and promoting more inclusive, transparent, and accountable political systems is crucial for preventing political violence and building a more just and equitable society.
The UPND cadres should realise that a just society ensures that all individuals are treated equally under the law and have equal access to opportunities, resources, and services. It also promotes fairness in the distribution of wealth, power, and privileges.
A just society upholds and protects the fundamental human rights of all individuals, including the rights to life, liberty, and security, as well as freedom of expression, association, and religion. A just society is governed by the rule of law, where laws are applied equally to all individuals and institutions, and where there is accountability for those who violate the law.
Zambians voted for the UPND because they envisioned a just society which promotes social justice by addressing systemic inequalities and discrimination, and by ensuring that all individuals have access to basic needs such as healthcare, education, housing, and employment.
We, the citizens, want a just society that values transparency and accountability in Government and institutions, ensuring that decisions are made openly and in the best interests of the public and encourages active civic engagement and participation, allowing individuals to have a voice in decision-making processes and hold their leaders accountable.
A just society respects and celebrates diversity, recognizing the value of different cultures, beliefs, and perspectives, and promoting inclusivity and tolerance. It is in such an environment that society recognizes the importance of protecting the environment for future generations, and works towards sustainable development and conservation of natural resources.
Overall, a just society is one that is built on the principles of equality, fairness, respect for human rights, rule of law, social justice, transparency, accountability, civic engagement, respect for diversity, and environmental sustainability and by upholding these prerequisites, a society can strive towards creating a more equitable and harmonious community for all its members.
We appreciate the fact that some leaders such as Lusaka Province party Chairman Obvious Mwaliteta have apologised for the suspected UPND cadres’ behaviour but we feel this is not enough. The party must institute internal investigations on who is behind these pockets of misbehaviour from the ruling party.
A mere cadre cannot engage in such activities unless they are given the green light by their leaders. There must be one or two leaders within the UPND who are mobilising cadres to fan this confusion because this is not the first time party cadres are engaging in such activities, only that this time, it involved Lungu.
The President has spoken against the vice but it seems others are prescribing it to cadres and these are the ones who need to be dealt with first before we look for those who are throwing stones. Those who made an appearance at DEC during the summoning of Lungu’s family, must be arrested. Whether they are UPND cadres or not, as others are suggesting, the bottom line is that they disrupted peace and abrogated the law.
The earlier this is done, the better. If UPND think they can get involved in violence or cadreism and go scot-free, they should ask the PF how Zambians discipline truant individuals. Lungu, who saw nothing wrong when his own cadres went on rampage attacking innocent citizens, is today crying and telling President Hakainde Hichilema to stop cadreism, the same issue he failed to stop and he is only saying this because he is out in the cold. The UPND must learn vital lessons from this. We have heard enough of threats on party cadres causing disturbances from their leaders but it is time we saw action being taken and not just mere rhetoric.
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