By SARAH MWANZA –
THE Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has appealed to the Government to consider putting portraits of former presidents on the local currency, the Kwacha.
YALI governance adviser Isaac Mwanza said this would honour the country’s leaders and symbolise respect for them, thereby helping foster patriotism among citizens.
“We should consider this move as a country because it is one way we will be recognising achievements of our leaders,” Mr Mwanza said.
He said this had been done in other countries like South Africa where the Rand contained the face of anti-apartheid hero and former president Nelson Mandela.
Mr Mwanza said Zambia would benefit from emulating this trend as it would help the nation enhance respect for public leaders.
He said that there was a need for the Government to find ways of honouring former presidents due to their immense contribution to the nation’s development.
YALI expressed concern over the trend where patriotism levels had been dwindling among Zambians, especially youths.
Mr Mwanza said putting portraits of past Heads of State on the Kwacha would also serve as a means of preserving the history of the country.
He said it was unfortunate that most of the youth today did not have knowledge of notable personalities that influenced Zambia’s history prior to and after independence.
Mr Mwanza said youths could not leave a strong impact on the country if they did not know where the country was coming from and what struggles it had experienced.