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Who’s a Tribalist? Why We Need An Honest Debate On Tribalism
Dear Editor,
In “The night without a President,” veteran politician Sikota Wina’s shows how tribalism almost destroyed the new independent nation of Zambia in the late 1960s; forcing President Kaunda to resign for a night.
If Kaunda and his friends thought that they had resolved the issue of tribalism then, they were wrong. Today, churches and political parties are still divided on tribal lines as they did then, if worse. It is sad that even after 48 years of independence tribal identification has become the highest qualification to holding office in our beloved nation and in some cases in the Church. It is sad that at the time when our nation is suffering from the cancer of tribalism, political and religious leaders are doing little to confront it aggressively!
If there is something that “The night without a President” reveals, it is that tribal suspicion has a history in our political discourse.
Just as some Tongas and Lozis vowed not to support a Bemba then, the situation has not changed that much. They are some Bembas out there who are ready to vote for a frog than give their vote to HH; reason, teti nvotele umutonga! The same can be said about the Lozi and other tribes in Zambia. Tribalism is a dominant force in Zambian political discourse.
Generally, tribal loyalty and not ideologies or policies determined one’s political affiliation. Even when the party has failed to execute its manifesto as was the case with the MMD, people from the leader’s tribe are likely to vote for that party out of terror of being governed by another ethnic group.
Yet the only benefit such tribes receive from their tribes persons is occasional beers, fitenges and salt during the campaign season. Despite UNIP, MMD and now PF being associated with the Bemba, for example, Northern, Muchinga, Central and Luapula provinces remain among the least developed regions in the nation.
Here, it is important to recapture the fact that Africans understand themselves as a community. Rather than following René Descartes in saying cogito ergo sum (I think therefore I am), Africans would say “I am because I am interconnected to my family, community and tribe.” For Africans, defending one’s tribe is a moral issue. When the MMD and now PF government ignore the plight of the Lozi, even those in the diaspora feel disrespected. Likewise, when Sata demeans HH, the entire Tonga community feels disparaged. HH should also understand that when he degrades Sata, it feeds into the stereotype that Tongas’ are against Bembas.
Such stereotypes may energize one’s tribal base but will not win one a national election in which all tribes participate. Most people believed that the advent of education will make us more conscious of our individual needs as opposed to ethnic ones.
The late president Frederick Chiluba, for example, asserted that many people viewed themselves as individuals and not simply as members of some ethnic group. While such an argument has some truth, tribalism should not be underrated in Zambian politics. No one can deny the fact The United Party for National Development is by default a Tonga party and Patriotic Front is a Bemba political party. The MMD may appear national but in reality, it is still perceived as another Bemba party.
With Nevers Mumba now on the helm of MMD, it is not likely that Tongas or Lozis will give him their vote. If HH or Chipimo need to win the 2016 elections, they have to unite all Zambians. I hate to this.
Tribalism works to the advantage of the ruling party, hence under the current scenario; Sata’s PF is likely to retain power in 2016 even by a very small margin. Perhaps it is here that opposition leaders should change their strategy if they want to rule Zambia. Like Barack Obama did in 2008 when he addressed racism in American politics, politicians should address tribalism as a major threat to Zambian democracy.
They must give a better vision for a united Zambia where tribal differences are celebrated as the very knots that unite our nation. But to pretend it does not exist or to accuse PF or UPND of being tribal while benefiting from it during elections is self-deception and entombing our nation’s future.
Friends, Zambians are nonviolent but to think that the country is immune from tribal related violence is a delusional. Our leaders should know that tribalism can win one the presidency but it cannot ensure the security or the development of our nation.
Demonizing each other will only do one thing; allow politicians to make money on our backs while we are busy fighting each other. It is time we realized that no one tribe makes Zambia. Like our soccer National Team, we can make Zambia great if we work as team.
We need all tribes to win the war on corruption, poverty, ignorance and ultimately tribalism. Alas, poverty knows no tribal boundaries or identifications. For a common man, being Bemba, Lozi, or Tonga does not put food on the table. Let us put aside tribalism, and fight our common enemy responsible for our perpetual agony – politicians who continue to amass wealth at our expense.
Today, we have a choice: to allow politicians to divide us while they make millions, or unite and fight for our equal share as Zambians. Kaunda taught us to shout, “One Zambia, One Nation,” but it is encumbered on us all to turn those words into a lived reality. Next time when we sing our national anthem, let us put away tribalism and become “all one, strong and free!”
Rev. Canon Dr. Kapya John Kaoma 1 Desmond Avenue Watertown, MA 02472
Posted by Editor
on August 20, 2012. Filed under Forum, LATEST NEWS.
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PJchiti
August 20, 2012 at 10:15 am
Spot on. I totally agree with the views expressed in the article. I am Be,ba but I have so many friends who are Zambians by Tonga, Lozi, Kaonde tribe. We get along very well but certain political statements made by our political leader s make us begin to dislike politicians based on tribe. For instance, statements from one HH that Bembas should not rule Zambia again, UPND is for Tongas, How can one fit in the UPND with such statements? Thanx for the article I consider it informative and educative. Lets remain united as a country regardless of the tribe one belongs to. God bless Zambia.
ManBuka
August 20, 2012 at 10:18 am
The only truth about tribalism is that it has the potential to make enemies out of friends for ever… We are born tribalists and to change that requirement deep mental baptism in the Holy Spirit…In Zambia, we have ‘fitundu’ which are dispised by the perceived elitist tribes. This is why the concept of ’73 or so tribes’ is a political phalacy because some Zambian languages are dead and were interred along time ago. Until we come to recognise that all tribes are valuable and the languages spoken enrich our country, we shall continue fighting our brothers and sisters on tribal battle lines. Who will change this scenario? It you and I, not the politicians because they benefit from it!! We are where we are becuase of rampant tribalism! The ‘WAKO NI WAKO’ sydnrome is killing the nation while we burry our heads in the sand. Unfortunately, all Presidents who have ruled Zambia after Kaunda have used family trees to foster their hold on power….Will this scenario change overnight? Only God knows…
ManBuka
August 20, 2012 at 10:22 am
Point of Correction! Sentence no.2 above should read, “We are born tribalists and to change that requires deep mental baptism in the Holy Spirit…”
VEN
August 20, 2012 at 10:46 am
THAT’S WHATS UP !!
Maano
August 20, 2012 at 11:06 am
The article started very well, but the author gets muddled in the maze of the extreme disparities between a homogeneos population and a tratified population of the african set-up, like that of our country, Zambia. Zambia needs to recognise that that its expanse is not uniform.
Indeed we should not bury our heads in the sand and think that the diversity of our cultures will just disappear from the face of our country,Zambia – like that. We should cherish the strength in our diversity. We should pride ourselves with the colourful nature of differences in traditions and culture, including the disparities of the flora and fuana of our geographical locations. A nation without culture is a dead nation. Lets structure our nation to give it a recognition of its diversities and varying needs. Shall we devolve power and give it to whence it was seised by the colonial masters, the traditional leaders and the local people. This way only people championing the national cause could logically endeavour for national leadership. The rest would then remain to chapion their causes at the local ethinic regional levels.
tinamulongo
August 20, 2012 at 11:42 am
If HH or Chipimo need to win the 2016 elections, they have to unite all Zambians..
The question is HOW.
Politicians are the biggest culprit when it comes to issues of promoting tribalism in the face of failure and incompetence. period.
The other problem in Zambia is illiteracy. There is too much illiteracy especially among the majority of voters.
Thats why GOOD candidates lost the last elections:
To conquer tribalism i suggest the following:
1. ABOLISH TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP.
2.BAN ALL LANGUAGES AND ADOPT ENGLISH AS A NATIONAL LANGUAGE
3.MAKE EDUCATION COMPULSORY UP TO AT LEAST DIPLOMA LEVEL
OTHERWISE TRIBALISM IS HERE TO STAY!!
mukombe
August 20, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Tribalism is being pertuated by newspapers, online publications like Tumfweko, and Journalists who write about the vice. These are the opinion makers their are many Zambians who trust these publication.
sitali
August 20, 2012 at 12:17 pm
lets all unite and make a better zambia regardless of where one comes from.but online publications am sorry are not helping but spreading hatred with comments that demonize other tribes
Alfred
August 20, 2012 at 1:21 pm
The average Zambian is not tribal. Tribalism was invented by politicians to divide and rule, and for their own selfish aims.
MIPONTO
August 20, 2012 at 1:27 pm
IF HH DID NOT ‘DIVORCE’ MCS, THIS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. THE THE FORMER IS THE BITTER ONE AND BITTERNESS IS DANGEROUS. IF THE BITTER ONES HAD A WAY, THEY WOULD DO ANYTHING TO RID PF GOVERNMENT, BUT ALAS, THEY CANNOT DO IT. SO IT IS NOT ABOUT TRIBE, IT IS ABOUT THE ‘DIVORCE’. NOW THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT AN INCLUSIVE GOVERNMENT, HOW CAN YOU BE INCLUDED IN THE FAMILY IF YOU ARE AN EX-SPOUSE.
tupac
August 20, 2012 at 1:39 pm
Nice article however I disagree with you where you are saying kopala,muchingala,northela and liverpool are less diveloped.Ask lozis they ill tell you more about their province.Muchinga will have two universities in 4 yrs time so is liverpool and northern how about yours!Wabetole chikala chobe.
spy next office
August 20, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Spot on, tribalism is rampant in every partition of our society. Unfortunately tribalism in Zambia is all about Tongas’ & Lozis’, that’s why it wont be defused. The first step in solving a problem, is admitting the problem exists. In this case, all tribes in Zambia should accept they practice tribalism & should stand united to eliminate it.
Bupe
August 20, 2012 at 1:56 pm
The New National Anthem for the PF who are dividing the Nation in the name of appointing good brains to strategic positions in government.
Stand and sing for Sata, sad and enslaved,
Land of trouble and corruption in disunity,
Losers in the struggle for the right,
We have lost freedom’s fight.
All one, hate and sad.
Praise be to Sata,
Praise be, praise be, praise be,
Divide our great nation,
Zambia, Zambia, Zambia.
Sad men we stand
Under the flag of their land.
Sata, praise to thee!
All one, hate and sad.
nyatu
August 20, 2012 at 2:20 pm
people who ar educated zoona they wil brin development but u who just want 2 sho yr rank all yr post GRZ u dot contribute anythin only tolkin ur the coza of this trible
nyatu
August 20, 2012 at 2:25 pm
@babupe nabena let work sata alon cant build the nation
taliban
August 20, 2012 at 2:49 pm
the problem is many bembas support pf even without clear policies but due to tribalism..!we need Zambia to unite..these are the worst tribalists..Luvales/Kaondes,Nkoyas support Tongas and so forth..
Zeb Mpingannjira
August 20, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Tibalism is becoming rife and worrying, particularly by dubious online publications who believe they are waging an election campaign for 2016 and yet they are just maligning their perceived preferred Presidentla candidates, even further from electorates by the venom they are spreading!!
Elections will not be won on emotions or tribal tantrums but by convincing all Zambians that someone is worth voting for!!
rashid
August 20, 2012 at 3:57 pm
what the ****
kalunga
August 20, 2012 at 4:36 pm
This article is spot on.Loved reading it.
kakolwe
August 20, 2012 at 5:34 pm
Iliteracy is out of the question. Look @ 85% of bloggers. I believe they are literate, but they are opinionated bigots. One way or the other. That is representative of what is on the ground. We just have to find a remedy to this cancer. Otherwise, tribal boundaries are becoming more distinct.
BIG HAMIYANZE
August 20, 2012 at 6:15 pm
HAKAINDE IS TRIBALIST No.1 THE WHOLE WORLD, GIVEN AN OPPOTUNITY HE CAN WIN THE WORLD CUP FOR TRIBALIST, TELL YOUR NEIGHBOUR ABOUT THIS.
balance
August 20, 2012 at 6:28 pm
Even before reading this article it was expected that tumfweko would use it to target certain individuals. We all know who is practicing tribalism and actually living it today and yet tumfweko decides to gloss over and to be silent. The same people have actually tried to justify it using all kinds of reasoning. Where is honesty and tribal balancing? Let’s be fair.
the spy who loved me
August 20, 2012 at 8:04 pm
@Bupe,very true bembas are just bambas which only see friction of ….
ABAKONZI
August 20, 2012 at 8:40 pm
Am Bemba(north) and my wife is Chewa(east),my sister(north) is married to a Lozi(west),my cousin is enganged to a Tonga.When you meet us all together you wouldn’t even gues notice that we are this mixed bcoz we are so united and free with each other.If at family level we are united why should we be tribal at national level.And those of us even lucky to have go to school we should know better but suprisingly the so called educated people we are busy tribalising ourselves.Let’s be more mature and ba Reverent thanks for this article
Frank
August 20, 2012 at 11:40 pm
Frankly, how did Tanzania or Nigeria solve this problem? They addressed language and intertribal communication by encouraging a single lingua not “owned” by any single tribe. Be it a yoruba, ibo…a common language (pigean?) allows otherwise different dialects to communicate. In Tz, swahili is used even in job interviews. A “neautral” language like ichi nyanja should be made compulsory in our early education systems. This would reduce intertribal suspicions and ease communication. In the short run, Bembas. Tongas, mambwe …speakers will cry fowl but quickly the importance of a common language will soon be appreciated.
kakolwe
August 21, 2012 at 5:04 am
Tribalism is just but one of the many forms of segregation. Some its race, religion, riches or even clans or totems. It is not uncommon in Zambia to find a Tonga boss giving employment to a Bemba job seeker just because they are both SDA or Chitawalas or Pente. It may even be coz they are both moslem (Nig & Tz) or christian. \therefore, we need to fight this cancer totally!
Tribalist
August 21, 2012 at 7:46 am
Nga kukonka, ababemba nimbama. Balipentreta ka Zed konse. QUESTION: Do the Tongas have a paramount chief?
freedom of speech
August 21, 2012 at 8:22 am
bembas are the worst tribalists yet they want to accuse tongas of being tribal. you bembas are tribalists lets face it.
freedom of speech
August 21, 2012 at 8:25 am
lets just remain united as one zambia one nation. tribalism was coined by the politicians who want to divide us.
i hate to be labelled a tribalist by people who are currently preaching tribalism.
let the church come in to heal and redeem this nation. it doesnt feel good to be called a tribalist by the very person practising tribalism.
Goliat
August 21, 2012 at 8:49 am
Good article! The genocide of the 1990`s in Rwanda was born out of Hate Radio stations which used to spread tribal propaganda through that country which lead to mass slaughter of innocent human life. The history is there for all of us to learn. I`m afraid online publications in this country are headed towards the same direction. To all Zambians, we do not choose to be born Bemba, Lozi, Tonga, Chewa etc neither do we choose to be African or black. Tribal intolerance will take us nowhere. To all fellow bloggers; Think before you post, we all want to see our children grow and have better lives than we had……not as refugees.
ndeloleshafye
August 21, 2012 at 9:36 am
We r all tribal.Read Zambian Watchgog.Its for Tongaz!See what they write!
ndeloleshafye
August 21, 2012 at 9:40 am
Watchdog cant win u an election,coz my grand mother from Mungwi District doent read it!HH pliz show us respect,may we can change our minds.As 4 now ……………………..??????
jMuti
August 21, 2012 at 11:14 am
Though we are all tribe in some sense, Zambian tribalism is being perpetualtd by politicians. It is also about superiority. The Bembas, Lozis and Tongas (who are mojor culprits)will account for their actions if they lead this country to war. Tribalism is being fuelled by these three supremacy tribal fighters. One way of combating tribalism is look at oneself as an individual not in terms of one’s tribe. This is because no one aplied to be born a Tonga, Bemba or Lozi, it is God’s doing.
Malchi
August 21, 2012 at 1:18 pm
Tribalism is rife in Zambia. And its on-line newspapers like Tumfweko always reporting negatives about tribes like Tongas and Zambian Watchdog which is anti bemba which promote this and make it grow out of proportion. There is intermarriage in Zambia so we can easily work round the problem.
Vincent Nyalugwe
August 21, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Tribalism=Zambia Watchdog=Michael Sata
pity
August 21, 2012 at 2:32 pm
i agree with Jmutti, these tribes are in the forefront. the post and fred membe have also fueled this to some extent. we are not preaching about harmony
Chief Bungwe
August 21, 2012 at 2:44 pm
Tinamulongo…I CANT AGREE MORE….exactly dude, some people cant see beyond their tribe due to IGNORANCE. Even if they were asked to try and look beyond tribe to come out of poverty, it’s like telling a blind man to look beyond his nose..It’s not possible..most Zambians need baptism with acid to get them out of ignorance. I am Zambian ..period..and God Bless Zambia
bogolandi
August 21, 2012 at 3:30 pm
simuusa is a tonga but won election in cb kazabu tonga has also in cb which is said to be bemba land. now sp is they any bemba mp?
chimps
August 21, 2012 at 5:26 pm
Good letter, we need to be level headed and accept truth and reality. . I never felt tribalism when i was at school untill i started work. Some funny man in human resource department was just discriminating Bembas just because he was from Western prov, but another civilized Tonga running a milling company in Kabwe was just too good to all Bembas. We have so many intermarriages,please let’s emulate the unity in our homes and bring it into politics ! Am happily married to a Lozi lady and she has witnessed my being denied advancement opportunities by a Lozi boss.The church must play a major role in reconcilling our politicians who must cultivate sobre language among themselves and then there will be harmony especially between North and South. The two Honorables, Simuusa and Kazabu who enjoy popularity among Bembas must also team up with the Church and resolve the impurse. . !
kibwela kasongo
August 21, 2012 at 10:38 pm
The warning is there for anybody, even those with a square judgement( unfashionable people who are out of touch with current popular culture)to see.
Is this the way to go? I say NO and NO indeed. Let us be reasonable and not go backwards. There are among us a crop of war mongers and these are the ones setting the precedence, not by pronouncement but by their deeds. Abash such people and lets unite as has always been the wish of the father of our nation- Doctor K.D.B Kaunda.
Please let this mans dream live on and there shall be no war in Zambia. Let super ken die a sad man.
This is my earnest prayer and may God hear us and speak to the hearts of our leadership.
kibwela kasongo
August 21, 2012 at 10:41 pm
The warning is there for anybody, even those with a square judgement( unfashionable people who are out of touch with current popular culture)to see.
Is this the way to go? I say NO and NO indeed. Let us be reasonable and not go backwards. There are among us a crop of war mongers and these are the ones setting the precedence, not by pronouncement but by their deeds. Abash such people and lets unite as has always been the wish of the father of our nation- Doctor K.D.B Kaunda.
Please let this mans dream live on and there shall be no war in Zambia. Let super ken not die a sad man.
This is my earnest prayer and may God hear us and speak to the hearts of our leadership.
kibwela kasongo
August 21, 2012 at 10:45 pm
The warning is there for anybody, even those with a square judgement( unfashionable people who are out of touch with current popular culture)to see.
Is this the way to go? I say NO and NO indeed. Let us be reasonable and not go backwards. There are among us a crop of war mongers and these are the ones setting the precedence, not by pronouncement but by their deeds. Abash such people and lets unite as has always been the wish of the father of our nation- Doctor K.D.B Kaunda.
Please let this mans dream live on and there shall be no war in Zambia. Let super ken not die a sad man.
This is my earnest prayer and may God hear us and speak to the hearts of our leadership.
Chimps you are wise I wish our president could stop appeasing his sponsers and quell this time bomb!
HIS MASTER'S VOICE
August 21, 2012 at 10:48 pm
I LOVE ALL ZAMBIANS REGARDLESS OF TRIBE, INCLUDING NAWAKWI, HH, CHIPIMO AND MILUPI. BA PRESIDENT, YOU SHOULD ALSO LEAD BY EXAMPLE OF LOVING EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY HH. HH SHOULD ALSO LEARN TO SWALLOW HIS PRIDE AND RESPECT THE CURRENT PRESIDENT.
THE YOUNG GENERATION DO NOT KNOW THE “TRIBALISM”. HENCE TRIBALISM IS TRIBALISM FOR THOSE WHO TALK TRIBALISM. ZWD AND ITS CONTRIBUTORS TALK TRIBALISM AND CONTRIBUTES TO DESTROY UNITY IN THE NATION!!! THIS IS DANGEROUS.
I LOVE YOUR ARTICLE. BUT LETS NOT TALK TRIBALISM. LET US LOVE EACH OTHER AS WE LOVE OURSELVES!!! I THOUGHT KK DID A FANTASTIC JOB HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GunnerME
August 21, 2012 at 11:29 pm
Glad to see that the ‘tumfweko resident tribalists’ have been kept in the background & spared all of us the more familiar dross. . .’he will never rule Zambia’! Tribalism exists in all corners of Zambia & its about time this cancer is dealt with the full force it deserves.
pnl
August 22, 2012 at 12:31 am
Everyone has an identity-a tribe. It is important we accept this obvious fact. To deny it is to deny the spots of a leopards skin. What’s wrong though is failure to accept and recognize others as distinct and important too. For example, if u fail to exercise your powers of appointment to show your regard for others, then thats is what is called tribalism. When someone introduces himself by name and you give him a question, “what tribe are you”. That is an irritating tribal question. Accept others, learn their language and appreciate the custom. That is breaking the tribal barrier. Someone confronted late Levy, “mwayamba ukulanda ifitundu ifyo twatuleunfwa.” he was tribal. He had little regard for Levy’s Lenje tribe. this are small but highly divisive.
baba
August 22, 2012 at 8:31 am
Ba Bupe naimwe kuleni.Sata is not Zambia.if we expect the president alone to develope our country then we should forget about development altogether. Coming to tribalism. Facts are that every person should have a strong sense of belonging.we are always asking ourselves to be proud africans and zambians in particular. Much as I appreciate being proud of ones race,we should embrace each other regardless of tribe. Mind you cross breading in whatever form animal/crop/marriage brings better products/offsprings. A united zambia will be a better place to live in
Shibukombe naplani
August 22, 2012 at 11:31 am
Nice one chimps!!!it is good to have people like you who share sense in society.i for one think the people that brought such problems as tribalism are not even around anymore but we still want to continue embracing stupidity thereby dividing our peacefull nation. please let us change for the sake of the future generation (our chidren)
Mwine Bala
August 22, 2012 at 1:53 pm
I believe it is the young people growing up in metropolitan cities who can kick out tribalism in Zambia. Sadly they fall into this ugly trap either due to parental influence or as a natural reaction to the feeling of belonging because when it comes to marry they would marry someone from their tribe even if they cannot speak the language!!
Literally all the friends I grew up with on the copperbelt married women from their parents’ tribes!!!
Mwine Bala
August 22, 2012 at 2:02 pm
Tribes will always be there and there is nothing wrong to belong to a tribe – just like race, religion, etc. What is terrible is the prejudice tribes hold against each other and oppress them. Zambians need to introduce lessons in schools, colleges and Universities teaching about DIVERSITY and respect for each other.
big boy
August 22, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Tumfweko please change your attitude. The truth is I have become more conscience of my tribe now that I visit this site than before. You guys are sort of crazy, you can actually light up a fire that you cannot extinguish. MULE KWATA WISDOM, LEARN TO SELECT CAREFULLY WHAT TO PUBLISH.