IN the 1990s, the Kalambo Hit Parade’s popular song Kwenze Chuku Chuku Ku Chawama belted at social events in Lusaka and beyond.
With the results of the 2015 presidential election announced and a new president elected, it is clear that the vote from Chawama constituency was decisive in ensuring that their Member of Parliament, Edgar Lungu, was sworn in as the sixth President of Zambia.
This is the first time in the history of the country that a sitting MP has been elected President.
Watching from the Diaspora, what was striking about the just concluded presidential election was the level and nature of in-fighting that characterised the selection of the presidential candidate for the two main political parties: the Patriotic Front (PF) and the Movement for Multi Democracy (MMD).
For the party that came closest to causing an upset, the United Party for National Development, despite the rallies rattling with “Aleisa! Aleisa!” chants for their champion, the election result passed by with a feeling of déjà vu.
For all they were worth, the political heavy weight endorsements only produced a knock-out blow.
As Zambia prepares for life under a new leader until 2016, the nation owes a great deal of appreciation to former vice president Guy Scott, the interim president for the last 90 days.
To quote Thomas Fuller, “Gratitude is the least of the virtues but ingratitude is the worst of vices.” Public service in Zambia risks becoming a thankless occupation, unless the country honours the men and women who stood in the breach during the nation’s lowest ebb. Dr Scott did just that.
The least Zambia can say to him is ‘Thank you!’
For Chawama, the Chuku Chuku celebrations are bound to continue for weeks on end after electing President Lungu. Let them enjoy the moment.
Mwimanji Chellah
LONDON
UK

Make AFCON 24 team tourney

I SUGGEST that the Confederation of the African Football (CAF) should make the African Nations Championship finals and the Africa Cup of nation’s finals 24 team tournament.
In this regard, CAF should encourage countries to co-host these games.
For example, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi/ Mozambique, Rwanda/ Burundi, Kenya/ Uganda, Chad/ CAR, Togo/ Benin, Eretria/ Djibouti.
I further suggest that the two tournaments be played every four years.
The current arrangement fatigues sponsors, football associations, players, fans and governments which have officially threatened to stop bank rolling football associations when results are poor.
Football associations and Governments can then direct moneys saved to other sports.
Spy Okere
LUSAKA

Youth unemployment increases

I WRITE to add my voice to the growing number of youths that are roaming the streets which is posing a great threat to the future.
The concept of National Service is viable except it can also be made attractive and productive with the remodelling it to be more attractive and appealling to the youth.
This can be done with the help of the partnership of the corporate world with the Government.
The youths on the street are willing to be involved in productive ventures.
Financial institute such as the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission should come on board to support more in supervised groups than individuals.
These groups would function well under the skilled and experienced tutor with the aim of making profits through ventures such as agriculture and simple manufacturing.
The mushrooming of universities and shopping malls should help to decongest the streets because the vegetables and pork products that are sold to supermarkets are not complicated for our youths to produce if guided.
These malls should bring a bright and bigger smile to a Zambian youth Zambia and not an opportunity to a big farmer in South Africa.
Pastor Patrick Chapotamo
NDOLA