By Joe Mwansa Lombe Kaluba
It is said that democracy is a government of the people by the people. I have however wondered why a certain section of our society are disadvantaged or rather sidelined. When I talk about certain section(s) being sidelined I mean women. We want to claim that we are democratic but our organisations, political parties, communities, countries, content or world are not gender balanced. We can not claim that we are democratic enough when certain sexes seem important than others.
In order to consolidate our so claimed democracy we need to see to it that we have policies that promote equal distribution of positions. In my last post dubbed “Young Women in Politics-Don’t be Stuck in the Mud”, I alluded to the fact that I wanted to see political parties putting in deliberate policies which would aid the striking of that balance. We should see more women adopted as candidates. I also noted that I wanted to see that balance at Presidential/Running Mate(PRM)too.
Therefore, when Zambian President Edgar Lungu hinted that he was going to choose a woman as his PRM in the August 11th Elections. I said now we are talking. I have said in most of my posts that for one to make a great politician and more importantly a great leader one needs to be smart and move with time. This I think is what the President is doing. He is moving with time. He is a man who is making decisions that other leaders even in our political parties are failing to do. We need leaders who see everyone equal so that progress is made and all stereotypes removed.
Yes quality is needed but I think we have more than that among our women citizenry. In this regard what is it that is at stake? What is EL looking for in his running mate? Who are the contenders and why? Are there any outsiders to be considered? These are the questions Lungu is asking himself I suppose. Looking at those questions I would like to highlight individuals I think are in line for that second powerful position.
What is EL looking for in his Running Mate(RM)?
We already know the sex of his preferred RM. The question is what else is Lungu looking for in this Lady? In my opinion he is looking for a woman who can inspire other women especially the young in talking up leadership. He is looking for someone who can be a good working partner a person who will help put Zambians first. He is looking for loyalty. Loyalty to him and the party- Patriotic Front(PF). Needless to say President Lungu and his party are looking for someone who can help win the party elections. Someone easy to sell. In this regard, who are the contenders and why?
The Contenders
I think some of the contenders include some of the following. Please note this is my own political opinion and it doesn’t what so ever indicate the position of individuals including the position of PF.
1-Inonge Wina-Vice President and Minister in charge of Development Planning. The current Nalolo MP will be 75 on 2nd April. A Sociologist by profession Wina brings on board calmness and a lot of experience working with developmental projects. She is hard working and an inspiration to a lot of young women seeking to be leaders. The only question will be her advanced age. But I think it is more to how a person performs that matters. Is Lungu looking for his successor? I think no. If that is the case he may still go with her as his running-mate. Other people will say that she has already broken the record of being the first female second in command. Let’s wait and see then.
2-Jean Kapata.-A Registered Theatre Nurse with a Cert in Theatre & Emergency and a Nursing Diploma, she is the current MP for Mandevu and Minister of Tourism and Arts. Kapata will be 56 on Christmas day. Like Wina she was very instrumental in making sure Lungu got the PF Presidential candidature. Together with the likes of Mumbi Phiri(47 on 15th Nov.) she is one of the loyal PF members and that is a plus. As Minister in charge of Tourism I believe she has done a good job at her ministry. Do I think she has a shot at being Veep. Yes I do. Can she win votes for the party? I think she can. For Phiri I think her skills are needed more in organising the party.
3-Dora Siliya -MP for Petauke Central also Energy and Water Development Minster. Siliya who has a Degree in Mass Communication and an advanced postgraduate research degree in Development Economics will be 46 on the 8th October. Although people will want to rule her out because of her past pronouncements in politics. I think she can have a shot at the Veep position. Becoming a fine leader calls for mature character and we learn that as we gain experience. I think DS has learnt a lot. I have being following her politics and leadership and I think she is one of the most developing women leaders of our generation. I also think she is also a good public speaker and very persuasive.
4-Nkandu Luo-Minister of Gender and Child Development and MP Munali. A full Professor, Luo will be 65 on 21st December. Among other educational certifications she is Epidemiologist has an Msc in Immunology, Msc in Microbiology and a Doctorate in Immunology. The Prof does not only bring academic and international experience but also the political one. However, when Lungu won the elections last year there was talk that she was putting herself in line for the Veep position. I don’t know how true that is. There are two things here though. Lungu has to pick someone who is willing to save. The other thing is do I pick someone who is ambitious. That is for EL to decide.
5-Margaret Mhango Mwanakatwe- 48 on 10th April she is a nominated MP and Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry. Triple M holds a BA in Business Administration and Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) credentials. She brings on board both local and international corporate experience. Though not an acclaimed politician I think she is a big catch by the PF government. In this regard people may say she has to learn a lot to be considered for the Vice President’s position. I would argue that we don’t only need politicians to run the affairs of our country we need leaders and people who are smart and Mhango is one of them.
Who else is in? Christabel Ngimbu MP Zambezi West and current Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. Ngaimbu has a BA and Diploma in Social Work, She will be to be 50 on 1st July. There is also Alfreda C Kansembe Mwamba a Lawyer by Profession will be 55 on 5th July Holds a BA. Education and LLB-Deputy Minister Labour and Social Security MP Lukasha.
Though not a politician the other is Mulenga Mpundu Kapwepwe who will be 58 on 7th October. She holds a double degree in Psychology and Sociology. A writer and film producer Kapwepwe served as Technical Consultant to the European Union and Technical and Policy Advisor to the Ministry of Sport Youth and Child Development. She also saved as chief for National Arts Council of Zambia. Why do I put her in the mix. Just like I said on Musokotwane. I think we don’t only need politicians to lead but every available smart individual as long as they are Zambian and have a heart for the people. Mpundu has. She can I think help PF win a lot of votes. People have also proposed Forum for Democracy and Development(FDD) president Edith Nawakwi who will be 49 on 15th June. She has a lot of experience in both politics and leadership but the question is as a person who has been negatively criticizing the PF government for the past five years can she work with them. What is her relationship with the enemies of President Lungu? These are the questions people need to ask. We need people who are Loyal not just because they are politicians. So for me I wouldn’t pick Nawakwi. Don’t get me wrong I respect her and what she has done for FDD and communities but we need people who are patriotic even when they criticize.
But as I said it is up the President with party consultation of course to pick the RM. As a promoter of Women in leadership I want to see a lot of women adopted. Good luck to the would be Running-Mate. Note that President Lungu might as well surprise us. Let me know what you think though.
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