. CHIEF MADZIMAWE

RABECCA CHIPANTA and MILDRED KATONGO  –
CHIEF Madzimawe of the Ngoni people in Chipata has urged his fellow chiefs countrywide to take a leading role in uniting the people and help fight tribalism and regional politics.
This follows President Edgar Lungu’s challenge to the House of Chiefs to use its influence to foster unity and denounce politicians using tribalism and regional politics to ascend to power.
Chief Madzimawe said there was need for concerted efforts from all traditional leaders to help denounce tribalism because it had the potential to divide the people.
He acknowledged the President’s call that chiefs were part of governance and should not condone tribal talk from politicians.
Chief Madzimawe observed that politicians were using tribal inclinations to try and win favours from the electorate.
“The President is right. As chiefs we are part of the governance system and we are at the foundation of society,” he said.
Chief Madzimawe said the President’s call for chiefs to foster unity was timely when politicians were using tribes to attack each other.
He said It was unfortunate that tribal attacks only involved politicians.
Chief Madzimawe urged his fellow traditional leaders not to be selfish but to come on board and contribute positively to help fight tribalism.
“My appeal to my fellow chiefs is, as traditional leaders, let us strive to do what is best for our people and not to be selfish. We are making headways, so we just need to enhance what is already there. We need to talk about peace and unity, especially those of us that are privileged to speak to the media,” Chief Madzimawe said.
He urged politicians to take centre stage and urged those in opposition not to divide the nation by campaigning using tribal inclinations.
North-Western Development Council of Elders chairperson Lukas Chikoti said traditional leaders played a bigger role in uniting the people and fight tribal talk.
Mr Chikoti said the call by the President was timely and should be supported by all traditional leaders as they were key in uniting the people.