ZED re-launches ‘The Zambia We Want’ campaign

KalembaMar 22, 2021Read original

ZAMBIANS for Empowerment and Development (ZED) has re-launched ‘The Zambia We Want’ campaign that aims to serve Zambia better.

Speaking at the function in Lusaka last Friday, new ZED president Ernest Mwansa said Zambians now have an opportunity to vote for a better country.

Mwansa said Zambians should be annoyed for being reduced to beggars by the PF.

ZED president Ernest Mwansa

He said Zambians had lost their sense of unity and purpose because of selfish individuals whose aim is to divide the nation on tribal lines.

“It is time for change and change for the better. That is why ZED is here. Our love for a better Zambia has compelled us to rise up as Zambians; for that family in Nyimba who feed on leaves because they cannot afford a proper meal, for that miner in Chingola who has lost his job at the mine, for that shopkeeper and waiter in Kitwe who have lost their jobs and cannot pay rent; for that retired teacher in Zambezi who stands in the queue every day but cannot get her pension, for that father in Mwinilunga with cancer but has no way to get to a hospital,” Mwansa said.

He said citizens had an opportunity to transform their country into the Zambia they wanted on August 12, saying it would be a defining moment.

“It will be a fight for the very soul of this nation. Either we continue to sink further into the abyss of poverty, corruption and injustice or swim and rise into prosperity, integrity and opportunity. Today we find ourselves bankrupted. Although in general goods are available in shops, there is very little money circulating among the majority of Zambians to purchase them,” Mwansa said.

“The result is that only the selected members of the Patriotic Front have money enough to buy whatever they want whenever they want; personal helicopters, free fuel to hundreds of taxi drivers, free meals to cadres daily and like in the days of UNIP poor Zambians are left to survive on handouts from the government and the PF party cadres. Zambians have no choice but to accept handouts given to them by the very people who are exploiting and dehumanizing them. This Zambia we have is rejected completely. Zambians are demanding the Zambia We Want.”

Mwansa called on voters to reject the country’s its current status with slumping economy and usher in the Zambia We Want.

“Thirty years ago Zambians fought against the rise of political thugs called vigilantes who terrorized our people wherever they went; whether they went to the market to buy food or they went to a shop to look for soap or cooking oil,” he said.

“Today we still have these kinds of political demons at every market place and bus station terrorizing and dehumanizing our people. Zambians fought against them and won. These are devoid of any fear of the law. They even grab land.”

Mwansa said Zambia needs to develop an economic system that fits into its context.

“ZED will ensure that national wealth is equitably distributed throughout this our beloved country, so that no area or region should be left out of the economic agenda. This will be done by the central government directly funding each ward in this great country,” he said.

“Once in power, we will create an economy that: empowers Zambians first; provides incentives for locals as well as foreign investment; and is anchored in private entrepreneurship with government leveling the economic playing field.”

He said it was about time Zambians respond to the trumpet of “The Zambia we want.”

“Now is the time to listen to and heed the trumpet call for change, change from ‘the Zambia we have’ to ‘the Zambia We Want’ under the ZED Party. We need courage when we face challenges. Now is the time to change and become the Zambia we want,” said Mwansa.

And outgoing president Dr Fred Mtesa urged Zambians to ensure the country remains a beacon of peace, unity and democracy ahead of the August 12 general elections.

Dr. Mtesa said he was stepping down from the party presidency because his current responsibilities in the nation do not allow him to participate in active politics.